IED explosion rocks Bayelsa secretariat

Civil servants scampered for safety as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suspected to be dynamite, was detonated at the premises of the Bayelsa State Secretariat, Ovom, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

The explosion, which threw the entire civil service community into panic, has been confirmed by the police authorities.

It was gathered that a 60-year-old indigene of Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, identified as one Pentecost Elijah, who is currently undergoing interrogation by the police, is said to be a prime suspect.

He was reported to have gained entry into the Secretariat complex as early as 6 a.m. and detonated an explosive device close to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Nimibofa Ayawei, causing panic among security personnel on duty.

The sound of the explosion and the alarm raised over the presence of an explosive device within the Secretariat complex caused slight panic. The Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, after consultations with heads of security agencies, directed civil servants to vacate their offices to allow for a thorough search by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams.

The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams were led to the scene by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor.

ALSO READ: Technology crucial to success of new tax laws — NRS chair, Adedeji

The State Police Command, in a statement by its spokesman, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit and other tactical teams to the scene.

According to the police, “On arrival at the scene, the operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.

“The area was immediately cordoned off and, upon a detailed search, one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and rendered safe. No life was lost and no property was destroyed.

“One Pentecost Elijah, ‘m’, 60 years 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 to court.

“The situation is under control and normalcy has been restored. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue with their lawful business activities.”