Suspected Explosive Device Found at Abia Church Sparks Military Action
Panic gripped Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, on February 3, 2026. Members of the United Evangelical Church in Ehere/Umuola had quite the scare when they unearthed what looked suspiciously like an explosive device during routine construction work. The discovery happened as church members were busy replacing the church’s old perimeter fence, a project made necessary by the expansion of the road dividing the church building and the parsonage. While digging the foundation for the new fence, workers stumbled upon the large metallic object. Can you believe it, one church member, completely unaware of the potential danger, actually moved the object closer to a water borehole within the church compound? It certainly makes you think about the unexpected and serious dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of our everyday lives, doesn’t it?
Thankfully, the church’s priest was sharp enough to recognize the grave threat the object posed. Deeply concerned for the safety of his congregation and the surrounding community, he didn’t waste a moment. He immediately ordered everyone on the premises to evacuate, ensuring a safe distance from the suspicious metal. Realizing the severity, the priest personally went to a military formation within Aba metropolis to report the discovery and seek urgent professional help. True to their mandate, security forces responded swiftly. Soldiers quickly deployed to the scene to assess and contain the threat. Their timely intervention was absolutely crucial, culminating in the safe evacuation of the suspicious object and averting what locals rightfully described as a near disaster. Had that device detonated, it could have resulted in significant casualties, putting close to 100 people in grave danger. The military didn’t take chances, promptly cordoning off the church site and surrounding areas, ensuring the community’s immediate safety.
Eyewitnesses vividly recounted the tense atmosphere that gripped the neighborhood as word of the bomb scare quickly spread. Imagine the relief and gratitude among residents, traders, and sympathizers who had gathered around the church premises once the military confirmed the threat was neutralized. This incident truly drives home the importance of community alertness and rapid response when confronting unknown dangers, especially in crowded public spaces. While the buried device’s exact origin remains unclear, the circumstances strongly suggest deliberate concealment. It’s a stark reminder that even seemingly peaceful locations can harbor hidden risks, often buried beneath the surface of daily life. Efforts to modernize our infrastructure, like the road project next to the church, might inadvertently lead to unsettling discoveries that demand prompt and careful handling. This episode serves as a striking example of how local vigilance and the critical role of security forces are vital in safeguarding public safety against potential explosive threats across Nigeria. Moving forward, communities like Ogbor Hill will need to balance development with heightened security, ensuring progress never comes at the cost of safety. The United Evangelical Church’s narrow escape from catastrophe is a powerful lesson in collective vigilance and swift action.
Sources:
Bomb Scare In Abia Church As Soldiers Remove Suspected Explosive Device In Aba, SaharaReporters, February 3, 2026. https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/03/bomb-scare-abia-church-soldiers-remove-suspected-explosive-device-aba
