Nigerian police prevent explosion at church

Worshippers escaped an explosion at a church in south-eastern Nigeria Sunday when explosives experts disposed of bombs that had been planted at its entrance, media reports said.

Six people were arrested in connection with the incident in Owerri, capital of Imo state.

Police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem was quoted by the online newspaper Premium Times as saying police were alerted to objects at the church entrance about midnight.

Police said they believe the bombs, which had been placed inside sacks, were intended to explode during worship services on Sunday.

"One was promptly detonated at the scene because it was on a timer," Enwerem said.

"The other one was disarmed and then taken away for detonation."

The spokesperson said the detainees did not appear to be directly linked to planting the explosives, but they might have information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.

Police did not say who could be behind the attack. The Islamist group Boko Haram has targeted churches in Nigeria, but it operates mainly in the north.