Tragedy Averted as Soldiers Evacuate Bomb from Abia Church
Tragedy Averted as Soldiers Evacuate Bomb from Abia Church
A tragedy was narrowly averted at the United Evangelical Church in Aba, Abia State, after a suspected bomb was found on the premises.
The discovery, made during construction, saved over 100 lives, including church members and local traders who frequent the busy area.
The object was unearthed by members digging a foundation for a new fence. The project was part of an effort to accommodate a state government road expansion project. During the excavation, workers found the large metal object but did not initially realize its lethal nature.
Risk increased when someone carried the object toward a water borehole.
However, the presiding priest grew suspicious of its appearance and ordered everyone to keep their distance. He immediately contacted a nearby military unit to handle the situation.
An eyewitness explained, “The church decided to remove the old fence and build a new one to make way for the expansion of the road. It was while the church members were digging the ground for the new fence that they dug out the metal object which nobody knew was a bomb. The pastor later invited soldiers who evacuated the object.”
Soldiers soon arrived to safely evacuate the explosive device. While official military spokespeople were not immediately available for comment, a senior officer confirmed the incident.
He noted that the Army headquarters has since taken over the investigation.
Relieved residents expressed gratitude that the device did not detonate, which would have leveled the church and caused mass casualties. Rev. Thompson Ikpeoha confirmed the event, stating he was awaiting a full briefing from the parish priest.
