The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Daniel Iyamah has confirmed the arrest of a 60 year old man suspected to be responsible for an explosion that rocked the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex, Yenagoa on Wednesday morning.
The suspect identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state has been taken into custody for further investigation while an unexploded EID was recovered by the police anti-bomb squad.
The explosion according to the Bayelsa CP occurred around 6am on Wednesday a situation that prompted the government to temprarily close down the complex.
Confirming the incident in a statement he issued on Wednesday, CP Iyamah, however, assured the public that the secretariat complex has since been cleared of all threats and workers have returned to their duty posts.
The statement reads in part:
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wish 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.
“On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.
“The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No life lost, no property 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 and upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged in court. Let me inform you that the situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities.”