•As residents flee community over letter of imminent attack
By Demola Akinyemi
Following the trending video of Boko Haram victims abducted last week, Kwara State government has affirmed its commitment to the safe return of the victims.
In a related development, residents of Oyun Local Government Area are fleeing the area over a fresh notification of an imminent attack.
Sunday Vanguard’s investigation of the trending Boko Haram video identified the wife of Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, village head of Woro community, as the woman standing before the camera holding a baby.
Terrorists were seen in the video interrogating the distressed victims in Hausa dialect.
The victims, looking emaciated and largely unkempt, responded one after the other in Hausa, narrating their ordeals.A credible source in Woro, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The only person I could identify for now is the wife of our village head. She is the one standing before the camera holding a baby.”
Sunday Vanguard also gathered that the terrorists released the video to counter what they described as propaganda by government that 30 persons were abducted.
“We have 176 persons in our custody, contrary to the claims and propaganda of the Kwara State government, which was lying to the whole world,” the terrorists said in Hausa.
Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement, urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities, stressing that it is currently analysing the video to identify the victims.The statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for.
According to the statement:”The Kwara State government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.“As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.
“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish identities of the individuals shown.
“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the state government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro.
“Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for. It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
“The government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.
“We assure the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders.
“We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities,” the statement concluded.
Oyun LGA
Meanwhile, residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area have started relocating from their communities following a letter notifying them of an attack, which was received in Ira on Thursday.
The letter, purportedly written by a group calling itself the “Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA),” was dropped at Ira market, sparking concerns and relocation.
Written in poor grammar and structure, the authenticity had not been ascertained by Sunday Vanguard at the time of filing this report.
The letter reads:”This message is from Nigeria Terrorist Association, NTA. Our motto: we kill, we kidnap, and destroy. No town or place scares us from destruction. We search and gather information before we raid. We heard about this town, Ira. You people are strong and have many powerful men to face our organisation. Be ready for us at any time, any date. We left Kaiama, we moved to Ira, Inaja, Aho and towns around.”
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 at 2:30 p.m. 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 5 p.m., 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 has 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 government to release them to return home to address this threat,” he said.
Intervention
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, told Sunday Vanguard that the letter 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.Speaking on the development, National Secretary of Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said the community had reached out to government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
Describing the mood in the community, he said fear had gripped residents and disrupted normal activities.“There is panic everywhere. People are afraid. Those who were supposed to go to their farms, especially those harvesting cashew, could not go. All schools, including primary and secondary, did not open today (Friday). People shut down their businesses.
“Our local vigilantes are also not sleeping. They have been combing the surrounding bushes since then,” he said.The spokesperson for Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed receipt of the letter.
“Our intelligence unit is currently investigating to ascertain its 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’s resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.
Emergency
Also, Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting at the council secretariat in Ilemona.
The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, was aimed at addressing the threats. Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Owodunni Adekunle, said:
“Although security agencies are still working to authenticate the source and credibility of the letter, the council considered it necessary to take proactive steps in the interest of public safety.’’
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