Three employees of the Solid Worth hotel in Offa, Kwara state, were hospitalized after munitions debris — reportedly from a US raid in Sokoto targeting IS-linked militants — struck the building late on Christmas Day. The hotel owner says the object resembled a missile; authorities say debris fell in multiple locations but deny civilian fatalities. Photos show a missile-like warhead recovered by security forces. Local police say investigations are ongoing.
Three Hotel Staff Hospitalised After Munitions Debris From US Strike Hits Offa, Nigeria
Debris damaged buildings in Offa, pictured here on December 27 two days after the strikes, where a hotel owner said people were injured (Abiodun Jamiu)(Abiodun Jamiu/AFP/AFP)
A hotel owner in Offa, Kwara state, told AFP that three employees were taken to hospital after debris from munitions believed to be linked to a US raid landed on his property late on Christmas Day.
The US carried out a surprise operation in Sokoto state targeting militants linked to the Islamic State group, an action both Abuja and Washington said left multiple casualties among those targeted. Nigerian authorities later acknowledged that fragments from expended munitions had fallen in several locations, including Offa, but maintained that no civilians were killed.
Incident Details
Taofeek Azeez Bello, owner of the 22-room Solid Worth hotel in Offa — about 800 kilometres (500 miles) from the strike sites in Tangaza district, Sokoto — said the object that struck his building looked like a missile and injured three staff members.
"Suddenly on Christmas Day, around late evening past 10 (pm), a bomb missile allegedly shot by the US military — maybe it misrode and hit my hotel," Bello said. "It landed inside the hotel building, caused a little bit damage, injured three staff."
Bello described the casualties as including one person with a traumatic injury who was taken to a psychiatric hospital, one with a serious head wound, and a third with injuries to the lap and legs. He said the debris initially struck an unoccupied room before some fragments fell outside; only two rooms were occupied at the time and no guests were hurt.
Official Response And Context
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala reiterated to AFP that "there were no casualties except the terrorist(s)." Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the strikes "targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor," and confirmed debris fell in Jabo (Sokoto) and Offa during the operation.
Photos provided by the hotel owner and reviewed by AFP appeared to show a missile-like warhead being examined and collected by security forces. Kwara state police said investigations are ongoing and that details remain limited.
Background
Nigeria continues to battle several jihadist groups, including factions linked to Islamic State. Neighbouring countries are also engaged against IS-affiliated militants, prompting concerns that regional conflicts are spilling across borders into Nigeria.
Investigations are continuing. Authorities and security forces are examining the debris and interviewing witnesses to determine the precise source and trajectory of the munitions fragments.
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