Explosion Injures Five, Damages Buildings in Kwara Community
An explosion on Christmas night in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State left at least five people injured and four buildings damaged, triggering initial fears of a bomb blast before Security Agencies moved to clarify the situation.
The incident occurred around Yidi, a Muslim prayer ground along the Offa–Ijagbo Road. Residents reported that the blast happened late at night while many people were indoors.
Among those injured were a woman, identified by neighbours as Iya Ayo, her young daughter Aisha, and an artisan. They were taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion caused structural damage to several adjoining buildings, including a two-storey structure. A local trader, Madam Joy, said residents noticed bright lights moments before the impact, which struck the buildings in quick succession.
However, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, dismissed rumours circulating on social media that the incident involved a bomb brought into the Area by foreign forces or a plane crash.
Speaking at the scene, the Police Commissioner said preliminary findings showed the explosion was linked to an ordnance-related object. “There was no bomb scare in Offa and no aircraft crash,” Ojo said.
“Our explosive ordnance disposal experts have evacuated the debris, and there is no cause for alarm. Investigations have commenced.”
A preliminary statement from the Offa Local Government also described the incident as suspected to be ordnance-related, adding that Security Agencies had cordoned off the affected Area to allow for further investigation.
The Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, confirmed that no life was lost. He said he received a distress call at about 9:38 p.m. on Christmas night and immediately alerted relevant authorities.
“This is not a bomb explosion and not a plane crash,” Omituntun said. “Everything is now calm, and residents have resumed normal activities. Security Agencies are on ground with their experts.”
He added that while investigations were ongoing, there was a possibility the explosion resulted from a malfunctioning device, stressing that conclusions would only be drawn after security Agencies complete their work.
The Council Chairman, alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Offa and the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, visited the scene to assess the damage.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and to rely on official information as investigations continue.
