YENAGOA – Panic gripped the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat early Wednesday morning after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. before most civil servants had resumed for the day, triggered a massive security response and the temporary evacuation of over 6,000 government employees.
The Incident and Arrest
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command arrested 60-year-old Pentecost Elijah, a native of Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported that Elijah, who claimed to be a government contractor, allegedly admitted to planting the device. He reportedly cited unpaid debts for completed contracts as his motive and issued chilling threats that additional explosives had been concealed within the complex.
Police Response
The Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, personally led a high-powered team to the site, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, the Special Drone Unit, and other tactical squads.
”On arrival, our EOD operatives swiftly contained the explosion and cordoned off the area,” stated Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed. “A detailed search led to the discovery of a second, unexploded IED, which was safely rendered harmless.”
Fortunately, no lives were lost and no government property was destroyed in the blast. Following the sweep, the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, ordered a four-hour suspension of activities to ensure the premises were entirely secured.
Current Status
The suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Police authorities have confirmed that he will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
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The command has assured residents that normalcy has returned to the Secretariat and urged the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as security surveillance has been heightened across the capital.
