Attacks by terrorists in Kwara State may not be abating anytime soon, as the hoodlums have started circulating warning letters to several communities in the state.
Chronicle NG gathered that in the last six days, they had sent letters to four different communities in Kwara, threatening to strike at any time.
It was gathered that on Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in the Oyun Local Government Area.
The bandits had earlier sent a threat letter to the Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara state, a few days after the February 3 attack on Woro town, which left over 176 people dead and 38 abducted.
It was also gathered that residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho had started leaving their homes over the threat letters by the suspected terrorists.
A copy of one of the letters was signed by “The Writer (SANUFH)” and 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.”
The letter’s content, including grammar and structure, is kept unedited to ensure accuracy.
Ira, a border town adjacent to Ilemona, the capital of Oyun LGA, is located in a corridor that connects various rural settlements considered vulnerable due to its proximity to forest belts.
A traditional Kwara chief in Ira, who spoke on the condition of anonymity owing to safety concerns, stated that the note was left at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.
“The letter was seen around 2:30pm to 3pm. 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 further stated that, despite the security presence, dread had gripped the neighborhoods, leading some inhabitants to temporarily relocate.
“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 Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, told the press that the letter heightened tension and forced some residents to flee.
“The letter was found in Ira on Thursday, and the Oyun Local Government Chairman immediately called a security meeting of all traditional rulers to inform them and map out strategies to protect ourselves and our subjects. People are scared because of the massacre in Kaiama. Some residents have already left town to seek refuge in Offa and other neighboring communities,” he said.
The monarch also stated that security agents, supported by vigilantes, had commenced patrols in the communities.
Speaking on the matter, the National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, stated that the community had reached out to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
“There is panic everywhere. People are afraid. Those who were supposed to go to their farms, especially those harvesting cashew, could not go. All schools, including primary and secondary, did not open today. People shut down their businesses.
“We have sought the help of the government. Security agencies such as the Navy, civil defense, and the police, as well as soldiers stationed in Ilemona, a neighboring community, have started patrolling the entire area.
“Our local vigilantes are also not sleeping. They have been combing the surrounding bushes since then,” he said.
An Ira indigene who lives in Offa and spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons said the letter went viral on Thursday night.
“We received the news about a strange letter late on Thursday night, but we didn’t even know where it came from. In fact, some people and I were in Ira around 3pm yesterday (Thursday) and heard nothing.
“It was around 10pm that my brother rushed from Ira to Offa to inform me. I was shocked. People from Lagos and even outside the country started calling me. One of my younger brothers, out of fear, asked me to relocate to Lagos, but I insisted on staying,” he added.
The man stated that many families had resorted to prayers while urging vigilance among their children.
“We just have to be prayerful. The letter has already sent shockwaves through the community, but people have nowhere else to go. Parents are warning their children not to move around at night. We have written to the government requesting assistance,” he said.
Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, 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.
In the same vein, a senior DSS officer confirmed the development, stating, “We have received this letter, and we are working on it.”
According to a military source, the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased patrols across the threatened communities.
“The information has put all security agencies on operational alert. Meetings with local government authorities have been held to review strategies and ensure there is no infiltration,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, conducted an emergency security meeting on Friday at the council office in Ilemona.
The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, was geared at resolving the threats.
Owodunni Adekunle, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, said, “Although security agencies are still working to authenticate the source and credibility of the letter, the council considered it necessary to take proactive steps in the interest of public safety.
“We urge our people 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. Community policing and timely information-sharing remain critical to preventing crime and averting possible security breaches.”
