Residents of Offa in Kwara State were thrown into panic late Thursday night after explosions rocked parts of the town, damaging properties and triggering security concerns, just hours after the United States announced airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria
The explosions reportedly occurred around midnight on Christmas Day at two different locations within the town.
Residents told The Punch that the first blast affected buildings around the Eid praying ground area, while a second explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first site.
Sources also disclosed that an undetonated explosive device was discovered at the second location, prompting security agencies to tighten control of the area. As of the time of reporting, the exact cause and origin of the explosions remained unclear.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, said the council was aware of reports circulating online about the incident.
“The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred in the precinct of Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. The affected areas have been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for thorough investigation.”
He disclosed that the Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the scene shortly after the incident.
“The Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the location immediately after the incident to assess the situation firsthand.”
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while investigations continue, advising them to rely on verified information.
“He calls on all residents of Offa to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. Citizens are also advised to verify information through credible and official sources to avoid spreading fear and panic.”
The local government further assured residents of its commitment to public safety, stating that it is working closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, a security official who spoke anonymously to The Punch claimed that what struck the buildings was not a bomb but a component of an armed missile.
“You know there was an airstrike by the US in collaboration with the Nigerian government against terrorists in Sokoto. The operation involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a US warship from the Gulf of Guinea. What was found in Offa is not a bomb but a component of the bomb of the missile launched.”
The Offa explosions occurred only hours after US President Donald Trump announced airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of northwest Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State. Although there has been no official confirmation linking the Offa incident to the US military operation, the timing has heightened public anxiety.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said investigations were ongoing.
“Discrete investigations are ongoing to reveal what happened precisely. Please be patient.”
Offa is located approximately 540 to 550 kilometres from Sokoto State. As of Friday morning, no casualties had been officially reported, and neither the Kwara State Government nor security agencies had released a detailed statement on the explosions.
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