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Residents of several communities in Kwara State have begun leaving their homes after receiving letters reportedly from suspected terrorists, officials and community sources said.
Four communities in the Oyun Local Government Area, Ira, Inaja, and Aho, have reportedly received threat letters over the last six days. After an attack on Woro town on February 3 that left over 176 people dead and 38 kidnapped, the letters issued warnings about possible attacks.
A letter found in Ira on Thursday was signed “The Writer (SANUFH)” and addressed the community directly. It read, “This message is from Nigeria Terrorist Association, NTA. Our motor: we kill, we kidnapping, and destroying. No town or place that is scared us to destroy… We search and gaddering information before we rade.
“We heared about this town Ira, you people strong, and have many powerful man to face our organisation. Be ready for us at any time any date, noting concern us about your oracle or powerful we left kaiama we move to Ira, Inaja, Aho and town around.”
A traditional chief in Ira, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Punch that the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.
According to him, security forces have started patrolling the area, including the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), police, soldiers, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The letter was seen around 2:30 pm to 3 pm. Two suspects on a bike dropped it at the okada riders’ park close to Ira Central Mosque. Initially, the riders thought it was a mistake and kept it for the men, but after reading it, they quickly took it to the king’s palace.
“Once the letter reached Kabiyesi, he informed security agencies. Around 5pm, DSS and police officers visited Inaja, Ira and Aho. Soldiers, police and NSCDC personnel are now patrolling the area,” he said.
The chief added that despite the security presence, fear had gripped the communities, prompting some residents to relocate temporarily.
“This is the first time we are witnessing something like this. People are afraid. Some have left for nearby towns because we don’t know what is coming. Our vigilantes are currently in Ilorin for forest guard training. We want the government to release them to return home to address this threat,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed receipt of the letter.
“Our intelligence unit is currently investigating to ascertain its veracity and possible source. We have intensified patrols by deploying additional personnel, in collaboration with vigilantes, to identify the source of the letter.
“The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has implored anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police division. He assures indigenes and residents of Kwara of the police resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.
Similarly, a senior DSS officer confirmed the development, stating, “We have received this letter, and we are working on it.”
Oyun Local Government Chairman Akanbi Olarewaju convened an emergency meeting on Friday with security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders.
Chief Press Secretary Owodunni Adekunle said the council had taken “proactive steps in the interest of public safety” and urged residents to remain “calm and vigilant and report any strange movement or unfamiliar faces, not only in Ira and Aho/Inaja but across the entire Oyun Local Government.”
