Terrorists Leave Threat Letter in Kwara, Residents Flee

Fresh fears have gripped several communities in Kwara State following reports that suspected terrorists are circulating threat letters warning of impending attacks.

Sources disclosed that within the past six days, at least four communities have received written threats, raising concerns that the wave of violence in the state may persist. On Thursday, one such letter was reportedly dropped in Ira, a community that links Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.

The development comes shortly after a similar warning was delivered to Dunshigogo community in Kaiama Local Government Area, days after the February 3 assault on Woro town. The attack on Woro left more than 176 people dead and 38 others abducted.

In response to the latest threats, residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho have reportedly begun fleeing their homes for fear of possible attacks.

A copy of one of the letters seen by residents bore the signature, “The Writer (SANUFH).”

It 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.”

A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.

“The letter was seen around 2:30pm to 3pm. Two suspects on a bike dropped it at the okada riders’ park close to Ira Central Mosque. Initially, the riders thought it was a mistake and kept it for the men, but after reading it, they quickly took it to the king’s palace.

“Once the letter reached Kabiyesi, he informed security agencies. Around 5pm, DSS and police officers visited Inaja, Ira and Aho. Soldiers, police and NSCDC personnel are now patrolling the area,” he said.

The chief added that despite the security presence, fear had gripped the communities, prompting some residents to relocate temporarily.

The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed receipt of the letter.

“Our intelligence unit is currently investigating to ascertain its veracity and possible source. We have intensified patrols by deploying additional personnel, in collaboration with vigilantes, to identify the source of the letter. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has implored anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police division. He assures indigenes and residents of Kwara of the police resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.

Similarly, a senior DSS officer confirmed the development, stating, “We have received this letter, and we are working on it.”

A military source said the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased patrols across the threatened communities.