Suspected Bomb Recovery: Church Chairman Denies Police Visit After Aba Incident

 Tension and confusion have continued to trail the reported recovery of a suspected explosive device at the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, located in the Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia State, as church authorities publicly disputed the police account of the incident. The chairman of the church has now stated that, contrary to claims made by the Abia State Police Command, no police officer has visited the premises since the matter came to public attention.

The development comes after reports circulated suggesting that security operatives had discovered and recovered a suspected bomb within or around the church environment. The Abia State Police Command had earlier denied such claims, stating that no explosive device was found at the location. However, the church leadership insists that the situation has not been properly addressed and that the police have not conducted any physical inspection of the premises to confirm or dispel the concerns.

Speaking on behalf of the church, the chairman expressed surprise at the police response, noting that members of the congregation expected security personnel to visit the site following reports of a suspicious object believed to be a potential explosive. According to him, since the news broke, the church has not received any official visit, investigation, or assessment from the police or any other security agency.

He explained that the initial concern arose after individuals noticed an unusual object in the vicinity, prompting fear among residents and worshippers. The information quickly spread within the community, raising alarm and triggering discussions about safety in the area. While some accounts suggested it could be an explosive device, others called for caution and urged authorities to verify the situation before drawing conclusions.

The chairman stressed that the church leadership had hoped for a swift response from security agencies to reassure members and the surrounding community. He added that the absence of any physical inspection has left many people uncertain and anxious, particularly given the security challenges facing various parts of the country.

He further stated that the church has continued its activities but with heightened vigilance. Members have reportedly been advised to remain observant and report anything unusual to the appropriate authorities. Despite the uncertainty, church leaders say they are committed to maintaining calm while awaiting clarity from security agencies.

The police command’s earlier statement denying the discovery of a bomb was intended to calm public fears, but the church’s latest remarks have added another layer of concern. Residents in the area are now calling for an official on-site verification to confirm whether there was any threat and to prevent misinformation from spreading further.

Community members around Ogbor Hill say the situation has created mixed reactions. While some people believe the alarm may have been exaggerated, others insist that any report involving a suspected explosive device should be treated with urgency. They argue that a visible police presence or formal investigation would help restore confidence and reassure the public.

Security analysts note that incidents involving suspected explosives, whether confirmed or not, must be handled carefully due to their potential to create panic. They emphasize the importance of prompt communication and coordinated action between authorities and local institutions to ensure public safety and prevent speculation.

The church chairman reiterated that the leadership is not trying to contradict the police but simply wants clarity. He explained that their statement was based on their direct experience, as no officers had visited to inspect the location or interact with church officials. According to him, a physical visit would have helped resolve the issue quickly and reduce tension within the community.

He also appealed to security agencies to take reports from community members seriously, especially when they involve possible threats to public safety. He added that even if the object turned out not to be dangerous, a proper assessment would still be necessary to provide reassurance.

As of the time of this report, there has been no new official statement from the Abia State Police Command responding to the church’s claims. The situation continues to draw attention from residents, who are hoping for a clear and final explanation.

Observers say the incident highlights the importance of effective communication during security-related concerns. In situations where fear and uncertainty can spread rapidly, timely verification and visible action from authorities can help prevent panic and build trust within communities.

For now, the church says it remains open and operational, with members continuing to gather for worship while staying alert. The leadership has called for calm and urged everyone to avoid spreading unverified information as they await further clarification from the relevant authorities.