The Abia State Police Command has reiterated that no bomb or explosive device was recovered in Aba, countering claims by an associate pastor of the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, who alleged that the police earlier clarification was false. The Command maintained that its initial account of the incident remains accurate and was based on verified operational findings.
Police authorities stated that the church official who made the allegation lacks the technical expertise required to identify or classify explosive devices. According to the Command, bomb detection and assessment fall strictly within the purview of trained security and explosive ordnance professionals, not unverified civilian interpretation.
As part of proactive measures, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ogbor Hill reportedly visited the area following actionable intelligence. During the visit, a church member, identified as Mr. Ezumini, explained that what was removed by military personnel was an iron rod forming part of the church’s pillar, taken out to enable compliance with a directive to adjust the structure for an ongoing government road construction project.
The Police said a comprehensive search of the area was conducted by the DPO, yielding no trace of any bomb or explosive material. Shortly after, the Area Commander, accompanied by officers of the Explosive Ordnance Department (EOD), also inspected the vicinity and confirmed that nothing resembling an explosive device was found. The Command added that it has not received any formal report of an alleged bomb recovery.
To further reassure residents, EOD personnel were immediately deployed to comb the area and ensure the safety of lives and property. The Police stressed that these steps were taken to eliminate fear and prevent the spread of misinformation capable of causing public panic.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, urging residents to continue their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through designated emergency hotlines. The Police also encouraged sustained community collaboration to strengthen security across Abia State.
