Residents of Offa, a bustling commercial town in Kwara State, were thrown into panic late Thursday night following a series of explosions that damaged property and sparked fear across the community. The incident came just hours after the United States carried out airstrikes targeting ISIS elements in Sokoto State.
Eyewitnesses indicated that the first explosion occurred near the Eid Praying Ground, a densely populated area, while a second blast struck close to Solid Worth Hotel, roughly five minutes away. Windows were shattered, structures were damaged, and residents fled their homes in alarm.
Authorities quickly discovered an undetonated explosive device embedded in the road at the second location. Security agencies cordoned off affected areas to ensure public safety and commence investigations. As of Friday morning, no casualties had been officially reported.
Abiola Azeez Babatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, confirmed that emergency measures had been activated. “The affected areas have been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for a thorough investigation,” he said, noting that the Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, personally visited the sites to assess the situation and engage security personnel.
A senior security official, speaking anonymously, suggested that preliminary findings point to the object being a component of a missile rather than a conventional bomb. He indicated that the incident may be indirectly linked to the U.S.-led airstrikes in Sokoto State, which reportedly involved multiple Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Guinea.
Despite the timing of the Offa incident, no official confirmation has been given linking the explosions directly to the U.S. operations. The Police Public Relations Officer for Kwara State, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that investigations are ongoing and urged residents to remain patient.
The incident has heightened public anxiety, prompting calls for increased surveillance, clearer communication from security agencies, and assurance for residents’ safety. Offa is located approximately 540–550 kilometres from Sokoto, where the U.S. airstrikes took place.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and rely only on verified information to avoid unnecessary panic.