Fresh details have emerged challenging the Nigerian government's account of a recent United States military operation, as a hotel owner in Kwara State claims his staff suffered serious injuries from falling munitions debris.
Christmas Day Raid Leads to Distant Impact
The incident traces back to Christmas Day, December 25, when the United States conducted a surprise air raid targeting militants linked to the Islamic State group in northwest Nigeria. The operation focused on the Tangaza district in Sokoto State.
However, the fallout from the strikes was felt hundreds of kilometers away. Taofeek Bello, the owner of the Solid Worth Hotel in Offa, Kwara State, reported that debris from the munitions struck his property. Offa is approximately 800 kilometres from the primary strike zone in Sokoto.
"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 told the AFP news agency.
Contradictory Accounts of Casualties
The federal government had previously acknowledged that debris fell in various locations, including near the hotel in Offa, but firmly stated there were no civilian casualties. Daniel Bwala, a spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, reiterated this position on Monday, December 29, asserting that "there were no casualties except the terrorist(s)."
Bello's account directly contradicts this official narrative. He stated that the impact injured three of his staff members, requiring hospitalization. According to him, one worker sustained a "traumatic" injury and was rushed to a psychiatric hospital. Another suffered a severe head injury, while a third was injured in the legs and lap. All three remain in the hospital.
"It landed inside the hotel building, caused a little bit of damage, injured three staff," Bello added.
Investigation Ongoing Amidst Evidence
Bello explained that the debris hit an unoccupied room in his 22-room, two-star hotel before landing outside. He shared photographs with AFP that appeared to show a missile head being examined and collected by security forces. He noted that only two rooms were occupied at the time, and no guests were harmed.
When contacted for comment, the Kwara State police told AFP that "as of this moment, there are no details yet. Investigations are ongoing." This leaves a gap between the hotel owner's claims and the official government position, with local authorities yet to provide a definitive account.
The incident raises questions about the collateral effects of foreign military operations within Nigerian territory and the transparency surrounding reporting such events. The community in Offa is awaiting further clarification as investigations proceed.
