Explosions late on Christmas night shook Offa, Kwara State, injuring five people and causing damage to several buildings.
The incident triggered panic among residents, with those injured rushed to First Care Hospital. Among them were a woman, Iya Ayo, and her daughter Aisha, who were asleep when nails pierced the woman’s body. Witnesses reported an artisan also sustained injuries, while adjoining buildings suffered significant structural damage.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a bright object moments before the blasts. “We saw it coming with lights beaming, then it rammed into that upstairs before going through the other three buildings it pulled down,” said petty trader Madam Joy.
Police quickly responded, with Commissioner Adekimi Ojo assuring the public, “There was no bomb scare in Offa, there was no plane crash… Everything is under control.”
The explosions occurred at two separate locations around midnight, including near the Eid praying ground and Solid Worth Hotel. An undetonated explosive device was found at the second site.
Offa Local Government confirmed security agencies secured the areas and launched investigations. Residents were urged to remain calm and rely on official information, with the council assuring cooperation with authorities to ensure public safety.