Fresh fears have gripped parts of Kwara State after suspected terrorists reportedly circulated threat letters to several communities, warning residents of possible attacks.
Findings revealed that within the last six days, such letters have been delivered to at least four different communities across the state, raising concerns that violent attacks may continue.
One of the latest threat letters was reportedly dropped on Thursday in Ira, a community located between Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.
The group had earlier issued a similar warning to Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, shortly after the deadly February 3 attack on Woro town, where over 176 people were killed and 38 others abducted.
Residents Begin to Flee
Following the latest threat, residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho have reportedly started leaving their homes out of fear.
A copy of one of the letters, allegedly signed by “The Writer (SANUFH),” claimed it was from a group calling itself the “Nigeria Terrorist Association,” threatening to invade the affected communities.
Although the authenticity of the letter has not been confirmed, its message has already caused panic.
Ira is a border town near Ilemona, the headquarters of Oyun LGA, and lies within a rural corridor close to forest belts considered vulnerable to attacks.
Traditional Leaders Raise Alarm
A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the letter was dropped near a motorcycle park close to the community’s central mosque.
He explained that two men on a motorcycle allegedly dropped the letter around 2:30pm to 3pm, and it was later taken to the palace after being read.
He added that security agencies were immediately alerted, and operatives of the DSS and police later visited Ira, Inaja and Aho.
According to him, soldiers, police and NSCDC personnel have since intensified patrols in the area.
Despite the security presence, he said fear remains high, with some residents relocating temporarily.
Schools and Businesses Shut Down
The National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, described the situation as tense, saying normal activities had been disrupted.
He noted that many residents stayed away from their farms, especially those harvesting cashew, while schools and businesses were also shut down due to fear.
He added that the community had contacted government authorities and security agencies for urgent intervention, while local vigilantes have been combing surrounding bushes.
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Security Agencies on Alert
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed that the police had received the letter and were investigating its source.
She said patrols have been intensified and additional personnel deployed in collaboration with vigilante groups.
A senior DSS officer also confirmed awareness of the letter, stating that investigations were ongoing.
A military source disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona has increased patrol operations across the threatened communities to prevent infiltration.
Emergency Security Meeting Held
In response, the Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting on Friday at the council secretariat in Ilemona.
The meeting brought together security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders to review strategies and ensure residents’ safety.
The council urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar individuals across the local government area.
