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

The explosion, however, prompted an emergency response from security agencies and a temporary disruption of official activities.

The explosion occurred at about 6:00 am, triggering swift intervention by the Bayelsa State Police Command.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, in a statement on Wednesday, assured residents that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged.

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.”

Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary closure of work for four hours, affecting over 6,000 state employees as a precautionary measure.

The directive was issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer.

Security operatives, including the anti-bomb squad, cordoned off access roads leading to the State Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House while investigations and safety procedures were ongoing.

Authorities said the situation has been fully contained.

In 2024, a bomb explosion killed one child and injured four children in Niger state.

The incident occurred in the Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area when the children found the bomb on the ground and went on to play with it. (PUNCH)

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