Attacks by suspected terrorists in Kwara State show no signs of slowing as warning letters have reportedly been circulated to several communities.
According to information gathered, the past six days have seen at least four communities receive letters threatening imminent attacks.
One such letter was reportedly dropped on Thursday in Ira, a town connecting Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area. Just days after a deadly February 3 attack in Woro town—which resulted in over 176 deaths and 38 abductions—a similar threat was sent to Dunshigogo in Kaiama LGA.
As a result of these threats, residents in Ira, Inaja, and Aho have begun fleeing their homes. A copy of the letter, signed by someone identified as ‘The Writer (SANUFH),’ claimed to be from the “Nigeria Terrorist Association.” The letter, written with numerous errors, 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 authenticity of the letter has not been confirmed.
Ira, a border town near Ilemona (the headquarters of Oyun LGA), is considered vulnerable due to its proximity to forest belts. A traditional chief in Ira, speaking anonymously, said the letter was found at a motorcycle park near the town’s central mosque. Two unidentified men reportedly dropped it off, and after it was read, it was immediately taken to the king’s palace and security agencies were alerted. Soon after, security personnel, including DSS, police, and NSCDC officers, began patrolling the area.
Despite this increased security presence, fear has gripped the communities, prompting some residents to leave. “This is the first time something like this has happened here. People are scared and some have already fled to nearby towns,” the chief said, adding that local vigilantes are currently unavailable as they are attending forest guard training in Ilorin.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed that the letter has heightened anxiety and caused residents to flee. Local authorities, including the Oyun Local Government Chairman, have convened emergency meetings with traditional rulers and security agencies to strategize responses. Patrols by security agents and vigilantes have been intensified.
Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, said the community has appealed for urgent government intervention, describing a climate of widespread panic. “People are afraid. Farmers are unable to go to their fields, schools have closed, and businesses have shut down,” he said. Security patrols have been ramped up, but fear persists.
An Ira native, now living in Offa, said the news of the letter spread rapidly on Thursday night. “When my brother rushed from Ira to Offa to inform me, I was shocked. People from across Nigeria and even abroad have been calling out of concern. Many families are now praying and warning their children to stay indoors.”
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed receipt of the letter. Spokesperson Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi said investigations are ongoing and security measures have been intensified in collaboration with local vigilantes. The DSS and Nigerian Army have also stepped up patrols, and all security agencies remain on high alert.
The Oyun LGA Chairman, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting with stakeholders and security agencies. The council urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing the importance of community policing and information sharing to ensure public safety.
