Residents in parts of southern Kwara have begun relocating from their communities following the circulation of a letter allegedly warning of impending bandit attacks.
The letter, purportedly issued by a group calling itself the Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA), was discovered at Ira Market in Oyun Local Government Area on Thursday.
Although the authenticity of the letter has yet to be confirmed, its contents — which threatened attacks on Ira, Inaja, Aho, and neighbouring communities — have triggered widespread fear among residents.
“People are afraid. Some have left for nearby towns because we don’t know what is coming,” a traditional chief in Ira, who requested anonymity, told reporters.
Following the discovery, security agencies, including the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intensified patrols across the affected communities.
Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed receipt of the letter.
“Our intelligence unit is investigating to ascertain its veracity and possible source. Additional personnel have been deployed in collaboration with vigilantes to protect residents,” she said.
A military source also disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had stepped up patrols to forestall any potential attack.
The letter reportedly caused panic after it was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque in Ira between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Thursday. It was quickly handed over to the king’s palace, prompting swift action from security agencies.
Oba Wahab Oyetoro, the Oninaja of Inaja, said the development heightened tension and forced some residents to seek refuge in neighbouring towns, including Offa.
“The Oyun Local Government immediately convened a security meeting of all traditional rulers to brief them and map out strategies to protect our people,” he said, adding that joint patrols by security personnel and vigilantes had commenced.
Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, described the situation as highly disruptive.
“There is panic everywhere. Schools did not open, businesses are shut, and residents are unable to go to their farms. Security agencies have started patrolling, but fear remains,” he said.
The Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting on Friday with traditional rulers and security agencies to coordinate a response.
“We urge our people to remain calm, vigilant, and report any unusual movement or unfamiliar faces. Community policing and timely information-sharing remain critical,” said the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Owodunni Adekunle.
Residents continue to vacate vulnerable areas as security agencies work to verify the credibility of the threat and safeguard communities in southern Kwara.
