Suspected terrorists have reportedly begun circulating warning letters to several communities in Kwara State, heightening fears of fresh attacks.

Saturday, PUNCH gathered that within the last six days, letters were sent to at least four communities, threatening to strike at any time.

On Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area. The development followed an earlier threat letter delivered to the Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, days after the February 3 attack on Woro town, which reportedly left over 176 people dead and 38 abducted.

Residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho have since started fleeing their homes over the threats.

A copy of one of the letters, signed “The Writer (SANUFH),” claimed to be from the “Nigeria Terrorist Association, NTA,” and threatened violence against the communities. The authenticity of the letter has yet to be confirmed.

A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque between 2:30 pm and 3 pm on Thursday.

“Two suspects on a bike dropped it at the okada riders’ park close to Ira Central Mosque. The riders initially thought it was a mistake, but after reading it, they quickly took it to the king’s palace. Kabiyesi informed security agencies immediately,” he said.

He added that operatives of the DSS and police visited Ira, Inaja, and Aho later that evening, while soldiers, polic,e and NSCDC personnel had commenced patrols in the area.

Despite the security presence, residents remain fearful.

“This is the first time we are witnessing something like this. People are afraid. Some have left for nearby towns because we don’t know what is coming. Our vigilantes are currently in Ilorin for forest guard training. We want the government to release them to return home to address this threat,” the chief said.

The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed that the letter heightened tension, forcing some residents to seek refuge in Offa and other neighbouring communities.

“The Oyun Local Government Chairman immediately called a security meeting of traditional rulers to map out strategies. People are scared because of the massacre in Kaiama,” he said.

The National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said fear had disrupted normal activities in the community.

“There is panic everywhere. Farmers harvesting cashew could not go to their farms. Schools did not open, and businesses were shut. We have sought the help of the government. Security agencies have started patrolling the entire area, and our vigilantes have been combing the surrounding bushes,” he said.

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

“Our intelligence unit is investigating to ascertain its veracity and possible source. We have intensified patrols by deploying additional personnel, in collaboration with vigilantes. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, assures residents of our resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.

A senior DSS officer also confirmed the development, while a military source disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had stepped up patrols across the threatened communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting on Friday at the council secretariat in Ilemona.

According to his Chief Press Secretary, Owodunni Adekunle, the council took proactive steps in the interest of public safety, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.