Residents of Offa, a community in Kwara State, were thrown into panic late Thursday night as multiple explosions rocked different parts of the town, damaging property and raising security concerns just hours after the United States conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The blasts occurred at three separate locations around midnight on Christmas Day, with the first explosion reported near the Eid praying ground area, followed by a second near Solid Worth Hotel, approximately five minutes’ walk from the initial site. A third detonation was recorded shortly afterwards within the same vicinity. According to sources familiar with the incident, no casualties had been recorded as of Friday morning, though several buildings sustained damage from the explosions.
Security operatives subsequently discovered an undetonated explosive device at the second blast location, prompting authorities to cordon off the affected areas whilst investigations commenced. The discovery has heightened concerns amongst residents, many of whom spent a sleepless night following the incidents.
The explosions came barely hours after US President Donald Trump announced American military operations against Islamic State targets in parts of North-West Nigeria, including Sokoto State, on Christmas Day. However, authorities have not established any connection between the Offa incident and the US airstrikes. Offa is a predominantly Muslim community located in the North-Central zone of Nigeria, distinct from the North-West region where the US military action was reportedly focused.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, confirmed the incident in an official statement. According to the council spokesperson, the local government was aware of reports regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident around the Offa Yidi praying ground area and security agencies had immediately secured the affected locations.
The statement disclosed that Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, visited the scene shortly after the explosions to assess the situation and coordinate with security personnel. “The Executive Chairman visited the scene to assess the situation and ensure appropriate response measures were in place,” the statement noted.
Offa Local Government urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding whilst investigations continue. The council specifically advised community members to rely on credible and official sources for information to prevent the spread of rumours that could fuel panic. “Residents should avoid speculation and depend on verified information from official channels,” the council emphasised in its statement.
