Fabian

An early morning explosion disrupted activities at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday, triggering panic among workers and residents nearby.

The blast, which occurred around 6:00 a.m., was reportedly caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted within the secretariat premises. Security agencies swiftly responded, securing the area and restricting movement in and out of the complex while safety checks were conducted.

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that no casualties were recorded and no buildings were damaged in the incident.

In a statement issued shortly after the explosion, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, said he personally led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene,” he stated.

He added that operatives quickly secured the area and conducted a detailed search, during which an unexploded IED was discovered and safely neutralized. “No life was lost and no property was destroyed,” the Commissioner said.

A 60-year-old man, identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

CP Iyamah assured residents that the situation was under control and normalcy had been restored, urging the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government announced a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure. The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected over 6,000 civil servants who were asked to stay away from the complex while security checks were completed.

Security operatives, including the anti-bomb squad, blocked major roads leading to the State Secretariat and Government House, while surveillance teams combed surrounding buildings to rule out further threats.

Authorities later confirmed that the area had been declared safe and normal activities were gradually resuming.

Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

The wife of the Kwara State Governor and Chairperson Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for a united and sustained action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), stating that no religion or culture justifies abuse, oppression, or harmful practices.

Amb. AbdulRazaq, who is also the Founder, Ajike People’s Support Centre, made the call while addressing a high-level advocacy engagement in Ilorin on Tuesday, urging communities, government agencies, and civil society groups to collaborate in promoting dignity, justice, compassion, and respect for human life.

She explained that the engagement was to strengthen advocacy and partnerships to challenge harmful social norms, while ensuring structural support and safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence.

She said: “Gender-Based Violence is not only a violation of rights; it is also a barrier to development, peace, and social cohesion.

“Yet, beyond physical acts of violence, we must confront the harmful social norms that enable it, norms that excuse abuse, silence survivors, normalize inequality, and teach our children that violence is acceptable or private.

“I commend the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum for its consistent leadership in championing the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of women, children, and vulnerable persons across the country.

“I also extend sincere gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its partnership, technical support, and commitment to social justice, equity, and community-driven change.”

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Oluwakemi Afolashade, outlined the state government’s interventions, which included emergency response centres, confidential reporting channels, and survivor support systems designed to guarantee safety and dignity.

Mrs Afolashade added that more than 1,000 traditional rulers across the state had been trained to enhance community-level prevention and response.

She described the engagement as a call to action, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and to ensure that survivors are referred to appropriate authorities without fear or stigma.

The Commissioner gave the hotline numbers of the Ministry – 09035509221 or 08069710318 – to call whenever there are cases of domestic or sexual violence, abuse or neglect, among others.

The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Snr. Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, emphasised the role of moral leadership, noting that religious and traditional leaders wield significant influence over community behaviour and must use it to protect women, children, and other vulnerable persons.

In the same vein, the Imam Imale, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid, said parents and community leaders should take the responsibility of taking proper care of women and the girl-child.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. NnaFatimah Imam, said that preventing gender-based violence requires community ownership, adding that government efforts must be supported by families, community leaders, and faith-based institutions.

Dr. Imam, commended faith-based organisations, including the Women’s Wing of CAN and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations, for their advocacy and sensitization efforts.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness over the death of a gallant Forest Guard, Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, who fell during a courageous encounter with some kidnappers in Koro community of Ekiti Local Government Area.

The Governor commended the bravery and patriotism of the Forest Guard and local vigilantes who launched an assault on the fleeing kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the Governor has announced a N10m support for the family of the operative as a token of government’s gratitude for his sacrifice — apart from him going down as a hero of the people’s collective war against banditry.

He commiserated with the family of Mr. Samuel and his comrades who bravely fought along with him.

“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” according to a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.