Fear grips Southern Kwara as residents flee over bandit threat letter

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Kwara State — Residents in parts of southern Kwara have begun relocating from their communities following the circulation of a letter allegedly warning of impending bandit attacks.

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.

The letter’s authenticity has not yet been verified, but its content, which threatened raids on Ira, Inaja, Aho, and surrounding towns, has prompted 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, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

Security Response

Following the discovery, security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have intensified patrols across the threatened communities.

Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the letter had been received.

“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 said the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased patrols to prevent any potential attack.

Community Response

The letter caused alarm when it was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque in Ira around 2:30–3:00 pm Thursday. Locals quickly handed it over to the king’s palace, prompting immediate action by security agencies.

Oba Wahab Oyetoro, the Oninaja of Inaja, said the letter heightened tension and forced some residents to seek refuge in neighbouring towns, including Offa.

“The Oyun Local Government immediately called a security meeting of all traditional rulers to inform them and map out strategies to protect our subjects,” he said, noting that patrols by security personnel and vigilantes had begun.

Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, described the situation as a disruption to normal life.

“There is panic everywhere. Schools did not open, businesses are shut, and residents are unable to go to their farms. Security agencies have started patrolling, but fear remains,” he said.

Local Government Measures

The Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting on Friday with traditional rulers and security agencies to coordinate responses.

“We urge our people to remain calm, vigilant, and report any unusual movement or unfamiliar faces. Community policing and timely information-sharing remain critical,” said the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Owodunni Adekunle.

Residents continue to evacuate vulnerable areas while security agencies work to assess the credibility of the threat and ensure the safety of communities in southern Kwara.

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