An early morning bomb explosion shook the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday, triggering panic among workers and residents, security sources have confirmed.
The blast occurred around 6:00 a.m. and was caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted within the secretariat premises.
Police Commissioner CP Iyamah led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and tactical teams to the scene.
“On arrival, operatives of the EOD Unit swiftly contained the explosion. The area was cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified and rendered safe,” Iyamah stated.
One suspect, Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested at the scene and is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Authorities confirmed no life was lost and no property destroyed. The complex was temporarily shut down for four hours, affecting over 6,000 civil servants, as security teams conducted thorough sweeps.
Major roads leading to the Secretariat and Government House were blocked during the operation. The environment has since been declared safe and normal activities gradually restored.
