An early morning explosion disrupted activities at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday, causing panic among workers and residents in the area.
Security agencies swiftly secured the premises after the blast, which occurred around 6:00 a.m. Authorities said the explosion was caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted within the secretariat environment.
Movement in and out of the complex was temporarily restricted as security operatives carried out safety checks and swept the area for additional threats.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that no lives were lost and no buildings were damaged during the incident. Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, said he led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the blast.
According to the police, the anti-bomb squad successfully contained the situation and identified one unexploded IED, which was later rendered safe. A 60-year-old man identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area was arrested at the scene and is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Following the explosion, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure, affecting more than 6,000 civil servants. The directive was issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, to allow security teams to complete safety checks.
Major roads leading to the State Secretariat and Government House were briefly blocked, while surveillance teams combed nearby buildings for possible threats. Authorities later declared the environment safe, and normal activities gradually resumed.