Nigeria, April 29 -- Nigeria's gripping national battle against insecurity seems to have a new theater in Kwara State as terrorists increasingly threaten to overrun one of Nigeria's most iconic states.

Long heralded as one of Nigeria's most peaceful states, even as insecurity tightened its fists on other states, instances of insecurity first emerged in disturbing pockets. In the past year, these trickles of insecurity have since flashed into floods that have left men, women, and children on the brink. According to reports, some communities have become ghost towns with survivors fleeing after the brutal killing of some residents. Traditional rulers have not been spared either.

In February, about 200 people were cut down by jihadists in ...