Thousands of residents in Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State have begun to flee for their lives after a new terror threat letter surfaced.
It was learnt that the new threat letter to the Kwara communities began circulating on Thursday.
The content of the letter, sighted by Pan-Atlantic Kompass, warned residents of impending attacks and demanded “cooperation” to avoid mass casualties.
Local sources confirm that the letters were strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including community markets and village square trees.
While security agencies have not officially named the specific group involved, the tone and language of the letter mimic the propaganda often used by bandit factions active in the Northwest and North-Central zones.
The authors of the letter identified themselves as “NTA (Nigeria Terrorist Association)” and claimed they had moved from Kaiama Local Government Area to Oyun, declaring their intention to strike the communities “anytime soon.”
The content of the letter reads in part: “No Town, or place that is scared us to destroy. We searched and gathered information before we raided.
“We heard about this town IRA ‘You people are strong, and have many Powerful men to face Our Organisation.’
In a chilling warning, the letter added: “Be ready for us at any time, any date. Noting concern about your Oracle or us powerful We left Kaiama LG, we moved to Ira, Inaja, and Aho, and the town is surrounded.”
Ira is a border town adjoining Ilemona, with Inaja and Aho located westwards along the same corridor, a community increasingly viewed as vulnerable due to forest routes linking parts of Kwara to neighbouring states.
The development comes after suspected jihadists issued a similar threat letter to the Dunshigogo community in the Kaiama Local Government Area following the deadly Woro massacre.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, terrorists invaded Woro in a coordinated evening assault, killing men, women, and children indiscriminately.
Among those killed were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress, and returning students. The Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, managed to escape after fleeing the scene.
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.
“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,” he said.
Also, speaking to the press, the Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, has raised alarm over the new terror letter to the Kwara communities.
He said the letter has heightened tension and forced some residents to flee.
“The letter was found in Ira on Thursday, and Oyun Local Government Chairman immediately called a security meeting of all traditional rulers to inform them and map out strategies to protect ourselves and our subjects. People are scared because of the massacre in Kaiama. Some residents have already left town to seek refuge in Offa and other neighbouring communities,” he said.
The monarch added that security agents, supported by vigilantes, had commenced patrols in the communities.
