By Peter Omopo
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old man in connection with a bomb explosion that occurred on Wednesday within the State Secretariat Complex.
The Command confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, promptly led operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, the Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene following reports of the blast.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion was caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Police operatives immediately cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough search of the premises.
During the operation, another unexploded IED was discovered and safely defused by members of the EOD Unit.
The statement noted that no lives were lost and no property was damaged in the incident.
“One Pentecost Elijah, male, 60 years old, from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident,” the police said.
The suspect is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command assured residents that the situation is under control and that normalcy has been restored at the Secretariat Complex. Members of the public were advised to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
