Suspected terrorists have begun circulating threat letters in several communities in Kwara State, raising fears of further attacks. In the past six days, letters were reportedly delivered to four communities, warning of imminent strikes.
On Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a town linking Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area. Earlier, threats were sent to Dunshigogo in Kaiama LGA, following the February 3 attack on Woro town, which resulted in over 176 deaths and 38 abductions.
Residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho have started leaving their homes in response to the letters. One letter, signed “The Writer (SANUFH),” claimed to be from the Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA) and threatened to target the towns at any time. The authenticity of the letters is still being verified.
Ira, located near the headquarters of Oyun LGA, lies along a corridor of rural settlements considered vulnerable due to forest proximity. A local chief revealed that the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque. Security agencies, including DSS, police, soldiers, and NSCDC personnel, have since been deployed to patrol the area, though fear continues to prompt some residents to relocate temporarily.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed the heightened tension, noting that some residents had fled to nearby towns like Offa. Security measures, including patrols by law enforcement and local vigilantes, have been intensified.
The National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said the threat had disrupted daily life: schools remained closed, farming activities halted, and businesses were shut. Many families have turned to prayers while calling for government intervention.
An indigene of Ira residing in Offa described the rapid spread of news and the fear gripping the community, with parents warning children to remain indoors at night.
Police spokesperson Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi confirmed that the letter was received and that intelligence units are investigating its source and authenticity. Additional patrols have been deployed, and residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity. A senior DSS officer and a Nigerian Army source also confirmed heightened alert and increased security presence in the area.
Oyun LGA Chairman, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to coordinate a response. The council emphasized proactive measures to ensure public safety, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and report any unusual movements across the LGA.
