Pastor faults police over alleged explosive exhumed in Aba Church

By Steve Oko

A pastor in Aba, Abia State, has appealed to government authorities and security agencies to investigate after he said a metallic object believed to be an explosive was discovered on the premises of the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuole, last Friday.

Associate Pastor Eleazar Onyenweaku told Vanguard on Tuesday that the object was uncovered by workers digging a foundation for a new perimeter fence around the church parsonage. He said he immediately reported the discovery to military personnel stationed nearby, who reportedly examined and removed the object.

“I reported the incident and showed them photographs. They followed standard protocols, accompanied me back to the church, and confirmed it was a potentially dangerous item. They evacuated it and advised caution in case more objects were present,” Pastor Onyenweaku said.

The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, had earlier dismissed reports that a bomb or explosive was found at the church, stating that thorough investigations by the Divisional Police Officer covering the area confirmed that no explosive was recovered. The police also said the church had encroached on a road under reconstruction and was asked to move back, with the military assisting in ensuring compliance.

Pastor Onyenweaku said he chose to report the matter to the military first because he believed they were better equipped to handle explosives. He also called on the government to scan the church premises for any additional risks and urged enhanced security for church members.

Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) and other intelligence personnel reportedly visited the church and conducted preliminary inquiries following the incident.

The pastor has appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. Church elders present during the pastor’s briefing also supported his call for government attention to the matter.

Attempts to reach the Security Adviser to the Governor, Navy Commander MacAnthony Ubah, and the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Captain Mazinho Attah, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing.

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