Residents of Offa, a community in Kwara State, were thrown into panic on Thursday night following explosions that rocked parts of the town.
The blasts, which occurred around midnight at two separate locations, damaged several properties and caused widespread confusion. One explosion was reported near the Eid praying ground area, while the second took place close to Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first site.
The incident came just hours after the United States carried out airstrikes on ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, raising concerns among residents. However, authorities have not yet confirmed any link between the Offa explosions and the US military operation, and the exact cause of the blasts remains 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 the reports.
“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,” he said.
According to him, security agencies have cordoned off the affected areas to enable a thorough investigation.
The incident has heightened security concerns, coming days after an explosive device was detonated at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, an attack that reportedly claimed at least five lives and left over 30 people injured.
