A bomb scare at the Bayelsa State Civil Service Secretariat on Wednesday morning caused extensive panic, forcing the immediate evacuation of workers and visitors. The alarm followed the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED), suspected to be dynamite, inside the complex.
Eyewitnesses reported that a 60-year-old man, Pentecost Elijah of Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, claimed responsibility for the incident. Elijah allegedly warned that additional explosive devices had been planted throughout the Secretariat.
According to reports, Elijah, who described himself as a contractor owed money for an unspecified job, threatened to set off more explosives unless the state government paid him immediately.
He reportedly gained access to the Secretariat around 6 a.m. and detonated a device near the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, sending staff and visitors fleeing in fear.
In response, the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Sawyer, coordinated with security officials to evacuate the complex and allow a thorough sweep by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, the Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams. The operation was led on-site by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor.
DSP Musa Mohammed, spokesperson for the state police, confirmed the incident in a statement:
“At about 0600hrs today, 11th February 2026, a suspected IED exploded within the State Secretariat Complex. The Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately deployed the EOD Unit, Special Drone Unit, and Tactical Teams to the scene. The operatives contained the explosion, secured the area, and safely neutralized one unexploded device. Thankfully, there were no casualties, and no property was damaged. Pentecost Elijah, 60, from Otuan Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department. He will be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations. The situation is under control, and normal operations have resumed. The public is advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.”
Security officials have since secured the Secretariat and reassured the public of ongoing safety measures within the complex.