Pandemonium as bomb explosion hits Bayelsa secretariat

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

The explosion occurred around 6:00 AM, prompting a rapid intervention by the Bayelsa State Police Command. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and there was no property damage.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, confirmed the incident in a statement, reassuring the public that the situation was swiftly contained.

According to him “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes 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.

“No lives were lost, and no property was 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. After completion of the interrogation, the suspect will be charged in court,” CP Iyamah added.

He further assured the public that the situation was under control, and normalcy had been restored. Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and continue with their normal activities.

In response to the explosion, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour work closure, affecting over 6,000 state employees as a precautionary measure. The directive was issued by Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, the Head of Service.

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

The authorities confirmed that the situation had been fully contained.

In a similar incident, a bomb explosion in Niger State in 2024 resulted in the death of one child and injuries to four others. The children had found the bomb in the Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area, and it exploded while they were playing with it.