Lawrence Zongo, The Nigeria Times
What began as a routine construction exercise at a church in Aba, Abia State, nearly turned into a tragedy that could have claimed over 100 lives.
Panic and shock rippled through Ogbor Hill on Tuesday after a large metal object suspected to be a bomb was unearthed within the premises of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Ehere/Umuola. The object was later evacuated by soldiers, averting what residents described as a potential mass casualty disaster in one of the city’s busiest areas.
According to eyewitnesses, church members were digging around the parsonage to erect a new fence when they struck a heavy metal object buried underground. The fencing work was necessitated by the ongoing expansion of the road that separates the church building from the parsonage, a project being carried out by the Abia State Government.
“At first, nobody thought it was anything dangerous,” an eyewitness told Vanguard. “It looked like an ordinary metal object. One of the workers even carried it towards a nearby borehole.”
It was at that moment that the priest in charge reportedly sensed danger. Suspecting the object might be an explosive, he immediately raised the alarm and warned everyone to stay clear. His swift response is now being credited with preventing a catastrophic loss of life.
Acting promptly, the priest contacted a military unit in Aba. Within a short time, soldiers arrived at the church compound, secured the area, and carefully evacuated the suspected bomb.
Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere was tense as residents, traders, and passersby gathered at a distance, watching the operation with fear and anxiety.
“This place is always crowded,” another witness explained. “Traders sell here every day, and people pass through constantly. If that thing had exploded, more than 100 people would have died, not to talk of the buildings that would have been destroyed.”
Following the successful evacuation, sympathisers and residents openly expressed gratitude to God, describing the incident as a narrowly avoided disaster. Many praised the vigilance of the priest and the quick response of the military.
The Secretary of the Aba Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church, Rev. Thompson Ikpeoha, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to receive a full briefing from the priest in charge of the Ehere/Umuola Church.
“Yes, the incident happened,” Rev. Ikpeoha said. “However, I am still waiting to be properly briefed on all the details.”
A senior military officer in Aba also confirmed the development, disclosing that the Nigerian Army Headquarters has taken over investigations to determine the nature and origin of the object.
As investigations continue, residents of Ogbor Hill remain shaken, calling on authorities to thoroughly search the area, especially as construction and road expansion works continue.
For many in Aba, the incident is a sobering reminder of hidden dangers lurking beneath everyday life—and of how quick thinking and timely action can mean the difference between life and death.
Lawrence Zongo, is Human Rights Defender & Campaigner Report Conflict, Security & Religious Freedom in Nigeria
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