Bomb explosion rocks Bayelsa State secretariat

Activities at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat were disrupted on Wednesday following a bomb explosion within the premises. Daily Trust gathered that the suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated around 6am, before workers resumed duty. As news of the explosion spread, employees who later arrived at the secretariat hurriedly vacated their offices for fear […]

Activities at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat were disrupted on Wednesday following a bomb explosion within the premises.

Daily Trust gathered that the suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated around 6am, before workers resumed duty.

As news of the explosion spread, employees who later arrived at the secretariat hurriedly vacated their offices for fear of another blast. Operatives of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams subsequently cordoned off the complex.

The secretariat, located along the Ovom axis of the Yenagoa–Mbiama Road and close to the Bayelsa State Government House, is usually busy during official hours.

In response to the incident, the Head of Civil Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, reportedly directed workers to suspend operations for the day as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the explosion, stating that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident and was being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammad, in a statement issued hours later, said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He said: “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.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, psc, IICFIP, foosi, immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene.

“On arrival, operatives of the EOD Unit swiftly contained the situation. The area was cordoned off, and during a detailed search, one unexploded IED was discovered and safely rendered harmless.

“No life was lost and no property was destroyed. One Pentecost Elijah, male, 60 years, from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of 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 of investigation, the suspect will be charged to court. “The situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.”