By Frontline Reporters
Fresh tension has gripped parts of Kwara State following the circulation of threatening letters by suspected terrorists, forcing many residents to flee their homes amid fears of imminent attacks.
Multiple communities, including Ira, Inaja, Aho, and Dunshigogo, have reportedly received anonymous warning messages in recent days, with the authors claiming responsibility for previous violence and vowing to strike again.
The latest incident occurred on Thursday in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area, where a letter was discovered at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.
According to local sources, the message sparked immediate alarm.
A traditional chief in Ira, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the letter was dropped by unidentified individuals on a motorcycle.
“The note was found in the afternoon and quickly taken to the palace. Once Kabiyesi was informed, security agencies were contacted. Within hours, officers from the DSS, police, and other security units arrived in the area,” the chief said.
He noted that while patrols have increased, anxiety remains high.
“People are afraid because of recent events in other parts of the state. Some families have temporarily relocated to nearby towns. Farmers are hesitant to go to their fields, and normal activities have been disrupted,” he added.
Fear Spreads Across Communities
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed that the development has heightened fear among residents.
“The discovery of the letter created serious concern. An emergency security meeting was convened immediately. Many residents are uneasy, and some have left for safer locations,” the monarch said.
Similarly, the National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, described the mood as tense and uncertain.
“There is widespread panic. Schools did not open, businesses shut down, and many residents avoided farms and markets. People are prioritizing safety,” he said.
Olarewaju added that community leaders have appealed to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
Security Agencies Respond
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed that authorities are investigating the letters.
“Our intelligence unit is working to ascertain the source and credibility of the threats. Patrols have been intensified, and additional personnel deployed in collaboration with other security agencies,” she said.
She urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, encouraging the public to report suspicious movements.
A senior security official also confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is monitoring the situation.
“We are aware of the development and taking necessary measures,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, a military source disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona has stepped up surveillance and patrol operations across the affected communities.
“All security formations in the area are on alert. Preventive strategies are being reviewed to ensure residents’ safety,” the source said.
Local Authorities Take Action
In response to the growing concerns, the Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting involving traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders.
The council emphasized the need for vigilance, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation to prevent any security breach.
Residents have been advised to remain alert and promptly report unusual activities.
Despite reassurances from authorities, many locals say fear continues to overshadow daily life as communities await further developments.
ADVERTISEMENTS
2026-02-12
