There is palpable tension in many Kwara communities following the circulation of a letter allegedly written by a terror group, warning of impending bandit attacks.
It was learnt that residents in parts of Kwara South have begun relocating from their communities over the treat.
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, February 12. The contents threatened attacks on Ira, Inaja, Aho, and neighbouring communities in the state.
Although the authenticity of the letter has yet to be confirmed, it has 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 told newsmen.
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.
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