There was panic on Wednesday morning after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa.
The explosion, which occurred at about 6:00 a.m., caused a temporary disruption of official activities as security operatives swiftly moved in to secure the area and assess the situation.
Confirming the incident in a statement made available to journalists, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah, said no life was lost and no property was damaged.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene,” he said.
“On arrival, the operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit swiftly contained the explosion,” he added.
The police commissioner disclosed that the area was immediately cordoned off and another unexploded device was discovered and safely neutralised.
“The area was secured, and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and rendered safe. No life was lost, and no property was destroyed,” Iyamah stated.
He further revealed that a suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.
According to him, the suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
“The situation is under control, and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities,” the police commissioner added.
Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour closure of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure.
The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected more than 6,000 state employees.
Meanwhile, security operatives, including anti-bomb squad personnel, cordoned off major access roads leading to the State Secretariat and Government House while safety procedures and investigations were carried out.
Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been fully contained and that normal activities had resumed.
