Panic as explosions hit Kwara community after US strikes

Kwara map

Panic gripped residents of Offa, Kwara State, on Thursday night after explosions rocked parts of the town, destroying properties and raising security concerns, barely hours after the United States announced airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred around midnight on Christmas Day, was said to have happened at two separate locations within Offa.

Residents told The PUNCH that the first explosion affected several buildings around the Eid praying ground area, while the second occurred near Solid Worth Hotel, located about a five-minute walk from the initial site.

It was further gathered that an undetonated explosive device was discovered at the second location, prompting heightened security measures. However, the exact source and nature of the explosions remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Confirming the incident, 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 explosion.

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.” Punch