Fear has gripped parts of southern Kwara State as residents began abandoning their homes following the circulation of a letter warning of imminent bandit attacks.
The letter, reportedly issued by a group calling itself the Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA), was found at Ira Market in Oyun Local Government Area on Thursday.
While the authenticity of the letter has yet to be confirmed, its content threatened raids on Ira, Inaja, Aho, and neighbouring communities, sparking widespread panic.
“People are scared. Some have relocated to nearby towns because we don’t know what to expect,” a traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent.
Security Agencies Step Up Patrols
In response to the development, the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified patrols across the affected communities.
Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the letter’s receipt, stating, “Our intelligence unit is investigating to determine its veracity and source.
“Additional personnel have been deployed, working alongside vigilante groups, to safeguard residents.”
A military source added that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased surveillance and patrols to prevent any potential attack.
Communities Respond
The letter reportedly appeared at a motorcycle park near the central mosque in Ira between 2:30 and 3:00 pm on Thursday.
Concerned locals handed it over to the palace of the traditional ruler, prompting swift action by security operatives.
Oba Wahab Oyetoro, the Oninaja of Inaja, said the letter escalated fear among residents, forcing some to seek refuge in towns such as Offa.
“The Oyun Local Government promptly convened a security meeting with all traditional rulers to devise strategies to protect our communities,” he said, noting that patrols by security personnel and local vigilantes had already commenced.
Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, described the disruption to daily life: “Schools remained closed, businesses shut down, and residents could not attend to their farms.
“Security agencies have started patrolling, but fear continues to dominate.”
Local Government Measures
In a bid to calm tensions, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, held an emergency security meeting on Friday with traditional leaders and security officials.
“We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant, report suspicious movements, and cooperate with community policing efforts.
Timely information-sharing is critical to ensuring safety,” said Owodunni Adekunle, Chief Press Secretary to the chairman.
As security agencies continue to assess the credibility of the threat, residents in southern Kwara are cautiously evacuating vulnerable areas, prioritising safety amid lingering fears of attacks.