By Joy Yesufu and Attah Ede
An explosion suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) rocked the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa in the early hours of Wednesday, triggering heightened security measures across the area.
The blast occurred around 6:00 a.m., prompting a swift response from security operatives who immediately cordoned off the complex to prevent further danger.
Movement in and out of the premises was temporarily restricted as bomb disposal experts conducted thorough safety checks.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that no casualties were recorded and no government property was damaged in the incident.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, said the command received a report of the suspected IED explosion at about 0600hrs on February 11, 2026.
According to him, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were deployed to the scene, where they discovered and successfully rendered safe an unexploded device after conducting a detailed search of the premises.
The police also confirmed the arrest of a 60-year-old man, identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, in connection with the incident.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Authorities assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a precautionary four-hour suspension of activities at the secretariat.
In a directive issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, more than 6,000 civil servants were instructed to stay away from the complex pending the completion of security sweeps.
Security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad, mounted roadblocks around key access routes to the State Secretariat and Government House, while surveillance teams combed surrounding buildings to rule out additional threats.
Normal operations gradually resumed after the area was declared safe.
