Fresh security concerns have gripped parts of Kwara State after suspected terrorists allegedly circulated warning letters to multiple rural communities, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee their homes.
In the last six days, four communities have reportedly received threat letters warning of imminent attacks, raising fears that the wave of violence in the state may not subside anytime soon.
Threat Letters Delivered to Oyun, Kaiama LGAs
One of the latest letters was reportedly dropped on Thursday in Ira, a border community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.
The threats come just days after a deadly February 3 attack on Woro town in Kaiama LGA, where over 176 people were reportedly killed and 38 others abducted. Earlier, Dunshigogo community in Kaiama had also received a similar warning letter.
The authenticity of the letters, allegedly signed by “The Writer (SANUFH),” has not yet been officially verified.
Residents Flee as Fear Spreads
The circulation of the warning letters has triggered a mass exodus in affected communities including Ira, Inaja and Aho.
A traditional chief in Ira, who requested anonymity for security reasons, disclosed that the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the Ira Central Mosque by two men on a bike.
According to him, once the letter reached the palace, security agencies were immediately notified. By evening, operatives of the DSS, police, soldiers and NSCDC personnel had deployed to the communities.
Despite the visible security presence, fear has continued to mount.
“People are afraid. Some residents have relocated to nearby towns because we don’t know what is coming,” the chief said.
Many vigilante members are currently undergoing forest guard training in Ilorin, prompting calls for their urgent return to bolster local security.
Monarch Raises Alarm Over Rising Tension
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed that the letter heightened anxiety across the area.
He revealed that the Oyun Local Government Chairman convened an emergency meeting with traditional rulers to develop strategies for community protection.
Some residents have reportedly relocated to Offa and other neighbouring towns for safety.
Economic Activities Disrupted, Schools Shut
The threat letters have severely disrupted normal life in the affected communities.
Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, described the situation as one of widespread panic.
Farmers harvesting cashew reportedly stayed home, businesses shut down, and both primary and secondary schools failed to open due to security fears.
Residents said many families have resorted to prayers while urging their children to avoid night movements.
Police, DSS, Military on High Alert
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the command had received the threat letter and launched investigations to determine its authenticity and source.
Additional patrol teams have been deployed in collaboration with local vigilantes.
A senior officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) also confirmed the development, while a military source disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had intensified patrol operations across the threatened corridor.
Security agencies are said to be on operational alert to prevent infiltration and possible attacks.
Oyun LG Chairman Convenes Emergency Security Meeting
In response to the growing tension, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, held an emergency security meeting at the council secretariat in Ilemona.
The meeting included traditional rulers, security operatives and community stakeholders.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of community policing and timely information-sharing to prevent potential attacks.
