Residents of several communities in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State have fled their homes following the circulation of threat letters allegedly from suspected terrorists, raising fresh fears of possible attacks in the area.
Findings revealed that within the past six days, four different communities received letters warning of imminent strikes. The latest was reportedly dropped on Thursday in Ira, a town linking Inaja and Aho communities.
The development comes weeks after the February 3 attack on Woro town in Kaiama LGA, which reportedly left over 176 persons dead and 38 abducted, further heightening anxiety among residents across the state.
Panic Grips Ira, Inaja, Aho
Residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho have reportedly begun relocating to neighbouring towns over fears of an impending attack.
A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the letter was discovered at a motorcycle park near the Ira Central Mosque between 2:30pm and 3pm on Thursday.
According to him, two unidentified men on a motorcycle allegedly dropped the letter before speeding off.
“The riders initially thought it was mistakenly left behind and kept it. But after reading it, they quickly took it to the palace. Kabiyesi immediately alerted security agencies,” he said.
He added that personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were later deployed to patrol the affected communities.
Despite the security presence, he noted that fear has continued to spread.
“This is the first time we are witnessing something like this. Some residents have left for nearby towns. Our vigilantes are currently undergoing forest guard training in Ilorin, and we are appealing to the government to release them so they can help secure our communities,” he said.
Monarch Raises Alarm
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed the development, stating that the letter heightened tension across the area.
He said the Oyun Local Government Chairman convened an emergency meeting with traditional rulers to strategise on preventive measures.
“People are scared, especially after the massacre in Kaiama. Some residents have moved to Offa and other neighbouring communities for safety,” the monarch said.
He added that security operatives, supported by local vigilantes, had commenced coordinated patrols.
Economic, Social Activities Disrupted
The National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, described the atmosphere as tense, noting that normal activities had been disrupted.
“There is panic everywhere. Farmers harvesting cashew have stayed away from their farms. Schools did not open, and many businesses remained closed. We have reached out to the government for urgent intervention,” he said.
An indigene of Ira residing in Offa also confirmed that news of the letter spread rapidly on Thursday night, prompting calls from relatives within and outside Nigeria.
“People are anxious. Parents are warning their children to stay indoors at night. Families are praying and hoping for reassurance from the authorities,” he said.
Police, DSS, Military on Alert
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed receipt of the letter, stating that investigations were ongoing.
“Our intelligence unit is working to ascertain the veracity and possible source of the letter. We have intensified patrols and deployed additional personnel in collaboration with vigilantes,” she said.
She assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police division.
A senior DSS officer also confirmed that the agency was investigating the matter, while a military source disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased patrols across the threatened communities.
“The information has placed all security agencies on operational alert. Meetings have been held with local authorities to prevent any infiltration,” the source said.
Council Convenes Emergency Meeting
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting at the council secretariat in Ilemona on Friday.
The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, focused on preventive strategies and strengthening community vigilance.
The Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Owodunni Adekunle, said proactive steps were necessary despite ongoing efforts to verify the authenticity of the letter.
“We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements across the local government. Community policing and timely information-sharing are critical to preventing crime and averting possible security breaches,” he said.
Authorities have continued patrols across Ira, Inaja, Aho and surrounding settlements, as residents await further developments.
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