Suspected IED Explodes at Bayelsa Secretariat, Suspect Arrested

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device went off early Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, triggering an immediate security response and briefly disrupting official activities.

The explosion occurred around 6:00 am, prompting the Bayelsa State Police Command to deploy its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, drone team, and tactical operatives to the scene.

Commissioner of Police CP Iyamah confirmed in a statement that no lives were lost and no property was damaged. Operatives identified and safely rendered inert one unexploded IED found at the scene.

“One Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested in connection with the incident,” the CP said. “He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.”

The Bayelsa State Government subsequently ordered a temporary four-hour shutdown of work at the complex, affecting over 6,000 employees as a precaution. Access roads to the secretariat and Government House were cordoned off while security sweep operations continued.

Authorities have since declared the situation contained and normalcy restored.

The incident echoes a 2024 tragedy in Niger State, where a child was killed and four others injured after playing with an abandoned bomb in Shiroro Local Government Area.