Alaafin blasts Terror threats against Kwara communities

The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has condemned in strong terms an alleged threat letter targeting the communities of Ira, Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, warning that criminal elements must not be allowed to instil fear or displace residents from their ancestral homes.

In a statement issued from Oyo on Monday and signed by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Dr Dele Kolade, the monarch expressed “profound concern” over reports that a letter was dropped at the Ira market area, vowing to strike the affected communities “anytime soon.”

The statement described the alleged authors of the letter as faceless criminals seeking to create panic through intimidation, stressing that no Nigerian community should be forced to live under the shadow of terror.

Highlighting Ira’s cultural significance within Yoruba history as the ancestral hometown of Oya, wife of Sango, the palace said communities with such heritage and dignity must not be subjected to threats or displacement.

The Alaafin said the threats represent not only a menace to specific communities but a direct affront to the authority of the Nigerian state and a grave violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to live, farm, trade and worship in peace.

“When terrorists attempt to impose fear as a substitute for lawful authority, they attack the very meaning of citizenship and the foundations of our collective order,” the statement read.

The monarch noted that the threats come against the backdrop of recent terrorist activity in the wider area, which has reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of property, leaving families grieving and communities anxious.

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a complex national challenge, the Alaafin commended ongoing efforts by the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to address security concerns.

However, he urged sustained, visible and well-coordinated operations to reassure residents that government protection is consistent and effective.

The palace called on federal authorities and relevant security and intelligence agencies to intensify action immediately, particularly in rural and forest-adjacent communities considered vulnerable to attacks.

It also emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and proactive preventive measures to identify and dismantle criminal networks within the framework of the law.

According to the statement, improved communication between security agencies, affected communities and traditional rulers would help calm fears, counter misinformation and reinforce public trust.

Addressing residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho directly, the Alaafin urged calm vigilance and full cooperation with lawful security agencies, warning against any form of reckless or vengeful response that could undermine the rule of law.

The monarch further disclosed that he remains in close communication with other respected Yoruba leaders, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as well as other royal fathers and community stakeholders, to ensure coordinated advocacy and moral support for the affected communities.

In a stern warning to those allegedly responsible, the Alaafin declared that criminals would not be permitted to carve out “no-go areas” or rule by threat, adding that security agencies must dismantle such networks and ensure that sponsors of violence are brought to justice.