Bomb explodes at Bayelsa govt secretariat
By Jeffrey Agbo
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated early Wednesday morning at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, causing a brief disruption of official activities and prompting an immediate security response.
The blast occurred at about 6:00am and led to the swift deployment of security operatives to the scene by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, assured residents that the situation was quickly brought under control, with no casualties or damage to government property.
He said, “The Bayelsa State Police Command wish 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 Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other Tactical Teams to the scene.
“On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.
“The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No life lost, no property destroyed. One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man 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. Let me inform you that 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.”
In response to the incident, the Bayelsa State Government, through the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Sawyer, ordered a temporary suspension of work activities at the Secretariat for four hours as a precautionary measure, affecting more than 6,000 civil servants.
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