From Dike Uba
A potentially deadly incident was averted at the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Ehere/Umuola, located at Ogbor Hill in Aba, Abia state, after a buried metal object believed to be an unexploded explosive was uncovered during construction work
The discovery was made while church members were excavating the area around the parsonage to erect a new perimeter fence. The reconstruction followed the removal of the old fence, necessitated by an ongoing Abia State Government road expansion project that cuts between the main church building and the parsonage.
According to accounts from those present, the digging led to the unearthing of a heavy metal object concealed underground. Initially unaware of its possible danger, one of the workers reportedly moved the object closer to a borehole for examination. Suspicion was raised when the presiding priest identified it as a possible explosive device and immediately cautioned everyone to keep their distance.
The priest subsequently contacted military authorities in Aba. Troops were deployed to the location without delay, secured the area, and removed the object in a controlled manner.
Witnesses explained that the church’s fencing project was directly linked to the government’s road expansion, which required adjustments to the church’s boundaries. It was during this process that the object was discovered, prompting the involvement of the military.
Residents, traders, and church members who gathered at the scene expressed relief that the situation did not escalate. Many noted that the area is typically crowded, with frequent human and commercial activity, and feared that a detonation could have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of property.
The incident was confirmed by Rev. Thompson Ikpeoha, Secretary of the Aba Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church, who said he had been informed but was still awaiting a detailed report from the priest overseeing the affected parish.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Army Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade in Ohafia were unsuccessful as of the time of this report. Nonetheless, a senior military source in Aba acknowledged the recovery and disclosed that the matter has been escalated to Army headquarters. Investigators are expected to determine the exact nature of the object, how it was buried at the site, and whether it poses wider security concerns.
The find has heightened anxiety within the community, raising questions about the possible presence of buried explosives in the area. Authorities have yet to release further information regarding the investigation or the origin of the device.
