Terror attacks in Kwara State show no signs of abating, as suspected bandits have started distributing threatening letters to multiple communities across the state

According to reports, over the past six days, warning letters were delivered to four separate communities. On Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a settlement linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.

Earlier threats targeted Dunshigogo in Kaiama LGA, shortly after the February 3 attack on Woro town that left more than 176 people dead and 38 abducted.

Residents in Ira, Inaja, and Aho have begun leaving their homes in response to the threats.

One of the letters, signed “The Writer (SANUFH),” read in part:

“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 content of the letter has been preserved verbatim.

Ira, located near Ilemona—the administrative centre of Oyun LGA—is in a corridor connecting rural settlements considered vulnerable due to nearby forest belts.

A traditional chief in Ira, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, said the letter was left at a motorcycle park near the central mosque around 2:30–3pm on Thursday. Riders initially assumed it was a mistake, but upon reading it, the note was taken to the king’s palace, who promptly alerted security agencies.

“By 5pm, DSS and police officers visited Inaja, Ira, and Aho. Soldiers, police, and NSCDC personnel are now patrolling the area,” the chief said, adding that fear had driven some residents to temporarily relocate.

Oba Wahab Oyetoro, the Oninaja of Inaja, said the letter escalated tensions, prompting residents to flee to neighbouring towns such as Offa. Security patrols have begun, supported by local vigilantes.

Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, said the community had appealed for urgent intervention.

“There is panic everywhere. People cannot go to farms, schools are closed, businesses shut. Navy, civil defense, police, and soldiers stationed in Ilemona have started patrolling the area, while local vigilantes comb surrounding bushes,” he said.

An Ira resident living in Offa, who spoke anonymously, said the letter went viral Thursday night, prompting calls from relatives across the country and abroad.

Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the letter had been received and said investigations are ongoing to determine its source. Additional patrols have been deployed in collaboration with vigilantes.

A senior DSS officer also confirmed the development, while a military source said the Forward Operating Base in Ilemona has heightened patrols and security meetings are ongoing with local authorities.

Oyun LGA Chairman, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting with traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders to address the threats.

Owodunni Adekunle, Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, said:

“Even as security agencies verify the authenticity of the letters, the council has taken proactive measures to protect the public. We urge residents to remain vigilant, report unusual activities, and assist security personnel in safeguarding our communities.”

Communities across Ira, Inaja, and Aho remain on high alert as authorities work to prevent potential attacks.

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