Activities were disrupted at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near the office of the Secretary to the State Government.The incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m., prompting security agencies to evacuate early-arriving staff and cordon off the area for safety checks.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed. According to the police, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams were immediately deployed to the scene under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor.
Police said one unexploded device was discovered during a search of the premises and was successfully rendered safe. No casualties or damage to property were recorded.A 60-year-old man, identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. The police said the suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Following consultations with security agencies, the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, directed civil servants to vacate the complex to allow a comprehensive security sweep. Authorities said the situation is under control, normalcy has been restored, and investigations are ongoing.
