Yenagoa was thrown into early morning tension on Wednesday after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated within the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex.
The blast, which occurred around 6:00am, triggered an immediate security response, forcing a brief suspension of official activities at the government facility.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah, said swift action by security operatives prevented casualties and property damage.
According to the police chief, tactical units including the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Special Drone Unit and other security squads were promptly deployed to the scene.
“The area was secured immediately, and during a thorough search, one unexploded device was discovered and safely neutralised by EOD operatives,” CP Iyamah stated.
He added that a 60-year-old suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.
The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
CP Iyamah assured residents that the situation had been fully brought under control, urging the public to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
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As a precautionary measure, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour closure of work at the secretariat, affecting over 6,000 civil servants. The directive was issued by the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer.
Meanwhile, security agencies cordoned off access routes leading to the State Secretariat and Government House as anti-bomb units conducted safety sweeps and further assessments.
Authorities later confirmed that normal operations have resumed.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over explosive-related accidents nationwide. In 2024, a similar tragedy in Niger State claimed the life of a child and left four others injured after minors reportedly found an explosive device and began playing with it in Shiroro Local Government Area.