Tension gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Wednesday morning after a suspected improvised explosive device detonated within the state secretariat complex.
Sources said the blast occurred around 6 a.m., causing panic in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday evening, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, said the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, swiftly mobilised the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene.
Mr Mohammed, a deputy superintendent of police, explained that the EOD operatives were able to contain the situation upon arrival.
He said the area was immediately sealed off and that a thorough search led to the discovery of another unexploded IED, which was safely neutralised by the operatives.
According to him, the explosion did not result in any casualties or damage to property.
He added that a 60-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.
“One Pentecost Elijah, M, 60-year-old 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,” the police spokesperson said.
Mr Mohammed assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and normal activities had resumed at the secretariat.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said she was “on transit” when contacted by telephone on Wednesday evening and could not comment on the development.
