An explosion, suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), rocked the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa early Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026.
The blast, which occurred around 6:00 a.m., prompted an immediate security response. Access to the complex was temporarily restricted while safety checks were conducted.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that no casualties or property damage were recorded. Commissioner of Police Iyamah stated that one unexploded device was discovered by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operatives and safely neutralized.
A 60-year-old man, Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.
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He is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, and will be charged to court following the investigation.
In the aftermath, the Bayelsa State Government temporarily suspended activities at the secretariat for four hours, affecting over 6,000 civil servants.
Roadblocks were mounted around key access routes, and nearby buildings were checked to ensure there were no additional threats.
Authorities later declared the area safe, and normal operations gradually resumed. The public has been advised to remain calm and continue with lawful activities.
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