There was a bomb scare at the Bayelsa State Secretariat complex on Wednesday following a strange early morning explosion from an improvised explosive suspected to be dynamite.
According to workers at the complex, a 60 -year-old Indigene of Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Pentecost Elijah, who claimed responsibility for the explosion, threatened that more explosive devices are planted within the complex.
Elijah, who claimed to be a contractor being owed monies for an unspecified job done, threatened to detonate more explosives if he is not immediately paid by the Bayelsà State government.
He was reported to have gained entry to the secretariat complex as early as 6am and detonated an explosive close to the office of the Secetary to the State Government (SSS), Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei which caused pandemonium among the stationed security personnel.
The sound of the explosion and alarm raised on the existence of explosive device at the secretariat complex caused slight pandemonium and the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Sawyer after due consultations with Heads of security agencies directed civil servants to vacate their offices to allow for a through search by the Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, special drone unit and other tactical teams to the scene.
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Reacting to the incident, the state police command, in a statement by its spokesman, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed that the incident occured and that the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor had immediately led the Explosive Ordinance 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 Ordinance Unit swiftly contained the explosion.”
“The area was immediately cordoned off and upon detailed search one unexploded IED was identified by EOD operatives and was rendered safe. No live lost, no property destroyed.”
