By Adaku Kelechi
Over one hundred worshippers and residents narrowly escaped death following the discovery of an object suspected to be an explosive device at the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba, in Abia State.
Eyewitnesses say the object was uncovered when church members were digging around the parsonage to construct a new fence, following the ongoing road expansion in the area by the state government.
The strange metal object was reportedly taken towards a nearby borehole before the priest in charge raised an alarm, suspecting it could be a bomb.
He immediately alerted a military unit in Aba.
Soldiers later arrived at the scene and safely evacuated the object.
Residents and traders in the busy area expressed gratitude that the device did not explode, noting that the premises and surrounding road are usually crowded.
The Secretary of the Aba Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church, Reverend Thompson Ikpeoha, confirmed the incident but said he was awaiting a full briefing.
A senior military officer in Aba has also confirmed the development, adding that Army Headquarters has taken over investigations.
No casualties were reported.
