Tension in Yenagoa as Suspected IED Explosion Rocks Bayelsa State Secretariat
Panic gripped Yenagoa early Wednesday morning after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated within the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex.
The explosion, which occurred at about 6:00 a.m., triggered an immediate security lockdown as operatives swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further danger.
Movement in and out of the secretariat was temporarily restricted while security agencies carried out comprehensive safety checks across the premises.
No Casualties, One Suspect Arrested
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that the blast caused no casualties and did not damage any government buildings.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, disclosed that officers responded promptly to the incident.
“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,” he said.
According to the police chief, the area was immediately secured and bomb disposal experts conducted a detailed sweep of the complex.
“Upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No lives lost, no property destroyed.
One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old male from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident,” he added.
The suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Government Orders Temporary Shutdown
In response to the security scare, the Bayelsa State Government announced a precautionary four-hour suspension of activities at the secretariat.
The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected more than 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 along major access routes leading to the State Secretariat and Government House. Surveillance teams also combed nearby buildings to rule out additional threats.
Authorities later declared the area safe, assuring residents that the situation was under control.
Normal operations gradually resumed following security clearance, while the police urged members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.