Multiple explosions rocked parts of Offa, Kwara State late Thursday night, destroying properties and causing widespread fear.
Although Federal officials are yet to comment, residents say they are convinced the explosions were from stray missiles fired by US forces towards Sokoto late Thursday night.
Residents of Offa traced the explosions which occurred around midnight on Christmas Day to two different locations in the town. Several buildings were reported impacted around the Eid praying ground area, while another explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first location.
Sources reported that an undetonated explosive device was later discovered at the second location and security officers have cordoned off the affected areas.
Meanwhile video of the large destruction and crumbled buildings are circulating online by Friday morning.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, told a local radio station, Sobi FM, that the council was aware of reports circulating about a suspected ordnance-related incident around the Offa Yidi praying ground.
In a statement, the local government said security agencies have secured the scene and commenced investigations. The statement also revealed that the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the affected areas shortly after the incident to assess the situation.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, advising the public to rely on credible and official sources for information in order to avoid panic.
The Offa Local Government assured residents of its commitment to their safety and said it will continue to work closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded.
The explosions occurred barely hours after the United States President, Donald Trump, announced U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of northwest Nigeria, including Sokoto State, on Christmas Day.
Authorities, however, are yet to establish any link between the Offa incident and the U.S. strikes.
As of this morning, no casualty has been reported, while investigations by security agencies continue.
