Taiwo POPOOLA
An explosion suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) hit the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa early Wednesday morning.
The blast, which occurred at about 6:00 am, prompted an immediate security response as operatives moved swiftly to secure the area and prevent further danger.
Movement in and out of the complex was temporarily restricted while thorough safety checks were conducted.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that the explosion did not result in any casualties or damage to buildings within the premises.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, detailed the rapid deployment of security personnel to the scene.
He said, “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.”
“The area was immediately cordoned off, and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No lives lost, no property destroyed. One Pentecost Elijah, ‘m’ 60 year old from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.”
“He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, and upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged in court.”
“The situation is under control, and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities.”
Following the explosion, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour suspension of activities at the secretariat as a precautionary measure.
The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected over 6,000 civil servants who 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.
https://urbanexpresslive.com/how-the-state-secretariat-in-bayelsa-struck-in-flame-following-ied-explosion/
Surveillance teams also combed nearby buildings to rule out the presence of additional threats.
Authorities later declared the area safe, with normal operations gradually resuming after the security clearance.
