Residents of several communities in southern Kwara State have started leaving their homes after a letter warning of planned bandit attacks surfaced in the area.
The letter was found on Thursday at Ira Market in Oyun Local Government Area. It was said to have been written by a group that identified itself as the Nigeria Terrorist Association.
Although security agencies have not confirmed whether the letter is genuine, its contents caused fear across Ira, Inaja, Aho and nearby towns mentioned in the message.
Many residents reportedly moved to safer places as anxiety spread.
A traditional leader in Ira explained that people were unsure of what might happen next and decided not to take chances.
According to him, some families relocated to nearby towns for safety.
After the letter was discovered, security agencies moved quickly to increase their presence in the affected communities.
Officers from the Kwara State Police Command, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps began patrols in the area.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed that the police were aware of the letter. She said the command had begun investigations to determine its source and truthfulness.
She also disclosed that more security personnel were deployed to work with local vigilante groups in order to protect residents.
A source within the Nigerian Army stated that the Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had stepped up patrol activities to prevent any possible attack.
The letter was reportedly dropped at a motorcycle park close to the central mosque in Ira between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Thursday.
After it was discovered, community members handed it over to the palace of the traditional ruler, which led to urgent contact with security agencies.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, said the development created tension in the area.
He disclosed that some residents left for neighbouring towns such as Offa.
He added that the Oyun Local Government called a meeting with traditional rulers to discuss steps to protect their communities.
Security patrols involving both officers and vigilantes began shortly after the meeting.
The National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said daily life had been disrupted.
Schools did not open, many shops remained closed and farmers stayed away from their farms due to fear.
Although patrols had started, he noted that residents were still worried.
In response to the situation, the Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, Akanbi Olarewaju, held an emergency security meeting on Friday with traditional leaders and security officials to coordinate actions.
The chairman, through his Chief Press Secretary Owodunni Adekunle, appealed to residents to stay calm and watchful. He encouraged them to report any suspicious movement or unfamiliar persons in their communities.
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