Suspected IED Blast Rocks Bayelsa State Secretariat, 60-Year-Old Arrested
✍️ By Teju/ February 12, 2026/ 8:06am
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion rocked the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on the morning of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, prompting an emergency response from security agencies and a brief disruption of official activities.
The explosion occurred at about 6:00 a.m., causing panic among workers and residents and leading to the temporary evacuation of staff from the secretariat.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement, assuring the public that no casualties were recorded and no property was destroyed. Commissioner of Police CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor said he immediately led operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to secure the area and carry out safety procedures.
During the operation, police discovered an unexploded device, which was safely rendered inert by the EOD team.
Pentecost Elijah, a 60-year-old man from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the explosion and is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Authorities said he will be charged in court once investigations conclude.
As a precautionary measure, the Bayelsa State Government temporarily suspended work for several hours at the secretariat, affecting thousands of civil servants while security teams conducted thorough checks. Roads leading to the complex and the Bayelsa Government House were cordoned off as part of the safety operation.
Police and state officials have since reassured residents that normalcy has been restored and urged the public to remain calm and continue with lawful activities.
