Explosion Rocks Bayelsa State Secretariat

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated early Wednesday morning at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa. 

The blast, which occurred around 6:00 am, caused panic among residents and workers, leading to a temporary disruption of official activities as security forces rushed to secure the area.

Providing an official account of the intervention, CP Iyamah stated, “The Bayelsa State Police Command wish to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today. One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.”

In a swift response, the Bayelsa State Police Command dispatched the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, a Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene. During a thorough sweep of the premises, security operatives successfully identified and neutralized a second, unexploded IED, preventing further danger to the public.

One suspect, identified as 60-year-old Pentecost Elijah from the Otuan community in Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested at the scene. He is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, with authorities confirming that he will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, personally led the operation and assured the public that the situation was quickly brought under control. He confirmed that while the explosion caused significant alarm, there were no lives lost and no property was damaged during the incident.

The state government has since restored normalcy to the secretariat, with civil servants advised to resume their duties. Security has been heightened around key government installations across the state to prevent any recurrence of such attacks.