Debris from US airstrikes hits Kwara hotel, injures three workers

Three staff members of a hotel in Offa, Kwara State, were hospitalised after debris from munitions reportedly fell on the building following US-led airstrikes against militants in northwest Nigeria, the hotel owner has said.

The surprise operation, carried out by the United States on Christmas Day, targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group in Sokoto State.

Nigerian authorities previously acknowledged that debris from the munitions landed in several locations, including near a hotel in Offa, though they maintained there were no civilian casualties.

The proprietor of Solid Worth Hotel in Offa, about 800 kilometres from the strike zone in Sokoto’s Tangaza district, told AFP the incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on December 25.

He said what appeared to be a missile fragment struck part of the hotel structure, causing damage and injuring three workers.

One of the injured staff was described as suffering a “traumatic” injury and was taken to a psychiatric facility, while another sustained a serious head injury and the third was hurt in the legs and lap.

All three remain in hospital, according to the hotel owner.

Government spokesman Daniel Bwala reiterated to AFP that there were “no casualties except the terrorist(s)” in the strikes.

Security forces reportedly recovered debris at the scene, which hit an unoccupied room before landing outside.

Only two rooms in the 22-room hotel were occupied at the time, and no guests were reported injured.

Kwara State police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Nigeria continues to face security challenges from jihadist and bandit groups, and authorities say operations like the recent US-backed strikes aim to curb extremist threats.