Police discover explosives in Winners' Chapel in Owerri

Police in Owerri on Saturday night averted what would have been a bllod Sunday in Owerri, capital of Imo State.

Two Improvised Explosive Devices were discovered a Winners' chapel capital city.

Spokesman for the state's police command, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident.

Enwerem, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the police was alerted to strange objects at the entrance of the Port Harcourt Road branch of Winners Chapel around midnight on Saturday.

He said bomb experts were promptly drafted to the church to sweep the area.

'During their check, it was discovered that Improvised Explosive Devices in forms of refrigerator compressor concealed in sack bags were discovered,' Mr. Enwerem said. 'One was promptly detonated at the scene because it was on a timer.

The other one was dis-alarmed and then taken away for detonation.'

The police spokesperson said those arrested have not been directly linked to planting the deadly explosives.

'They were arrested because we believe we might be able to obtain information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators from them,' Mr. Enwerem said. 'Investigations are ongoing.'

The police believe the explosives were planted on Saturday night and timed to explode after worshippers had gathered for worship on Sunday.

The state police commissioner, Mr. Ali had while briefing journalists at the church premises said the command would do everything possible to unravel the perpetrators of the act.

He urged the people to go about their normal activities as the two IEDs have been detonated.

Also speaking, Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Brig.-Gen. Lanre Bello, confirmed that the explosives were capable of killing many people at a time.

Worshippers at the church were full of thanks to God for sparing their lives.