Residents of Igbowu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fears over a possible attack after suspected bandits allegedly left a handwritten threat message warning of an invasion.
The threat has caused panic among residents, who are urging security agencies and the Kwara State Government to act before any attack takes place.
Residents told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the suspected terrorists left handwritten inscriptions in the community. According to them, the message read: “Igbowu and get ready for us now bandit come.”
Many residents fear the warning could point to an imminent attack if security measures are not strengthened. They called on security agencies, local vigilante groups and government authorities to take preventive action instead of waiting for an incident to occur.
Some indigenes of Igbowu living in Lagos told SaharaReporters they quickly contacted relatives at home and urged them to stay alert and report suspicious movements.
One of them said: “We have communicated with our relatives at home and advised them to be vigilant. We also told them to immediately call on security agencies and local vigilantes to be watchful of any imminent attacks or suspicious movement of strangers in the community.”
The source added: “We are calling on the Kwara State Government, the Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, and all security agencies to help us and prevent the attack before it takes place. They should not allow the bandits to invade our community and neighbouring communities before they start launching any investigation.”
The resident further said: “Since the bandits have written to the community, the next step is to prevent the attack before it takes place.”
Residents linked their fears to rising insecurity in Kwara South, including the continued captivity of Afin-Ile traditional ruler, Oba James Olanipekun, and the recent killing of the wife of an ECWA pastor and four abducted church members in Omu-Aran. As of filing this report, the Kwara State Government and security agencies had not publicly responded to the threat.
