Residents of Offa, headquarters of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, were thrown into panic on Thursday night following explosions that rocked parts of the town, damaging properties and triggering heightened security concerns.
The explosions, which occurred around midnight on Christmas Day, were reported at two different locations within the community, coming barely hours after the United States announced airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of northwest Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses said the first blast affected buildings around the Eid praying ground area, while a second explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about five minutes’ walk from the initial scene. It was also learnt that an undetonated explosive device was later discovered at the second location, prompting security agencies to cordon off the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact source and nature of the explosions had yet to be officially determined.
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 on social media about the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, Babatunde said, “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, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the affected locations shortly after the incident to assess the situation.
“The Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the location immediately after the incident to assess the situation firsthand,” the statement added.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while investigations continue.
“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 statement read.
The local government further assured residents of its commitment to their safety, noting that it would continue to work closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, a security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that debris recovered from the scene appeared to be a component of a missile.
According to him, “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 incident occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced American airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of Sokoto State on Christmas Day. Although there has been no official confirmation linking the explosions in Offa to the U.S. military operation, the timing has heightened public anxiety.
Residents have since called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and provide clearer information to allay fears.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing.
“Discrete investigations are ongoing to reveal what happened precisely. Please be patient,” she said.
Offa is located about 540 to 550 kilometres from Sokoto State. As of Friday morning, no casualties had been officially reported, while the state government and security agencies were yet to issue a detailed statement on the explosions.
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