Suspected terrorists under the aegis of Nigeria Terrorists Association (NTA) have sent letters notifying communities in Kwara State of impending attacks.
Saturday PUNCH reports that the gunmen had distributed four letters to four different communities.
The bandits reportedly dropped a letter in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area in the state
Before then, Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, received a threat letter from the terrorists, a few days after the February 3 attack on Woro town, during which they killed over 176 people dead and kidnapped 38 others.
One of the letters which was signed by “The Writer (SANUFH),” had the following message: “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.”
This has led to mass exodus by members of the Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities.
An anonymous Ira chief revealed that 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 spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, said “our intelligence unit is currently investigating to ascertain its (the threat letter) veracity and possible source. We have intensified patrols by deploying additional personnel, in collaboration with vigilantes, to identify the source of the letter.
“The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has implored anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police division. He assures indigenes and residents of Kwara of the police resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.
Also, a senior DSS officer said “we have received this letter, and we are working on it.”
A military source said the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had beefed up patrols in the threatened communities.
“The information has put all security agencies on operational alert. Meetings with local government authorities have been held to review strategies and ensure there is no infiltration,” the officer said.
