The Judicial Commission of Enquiry into last 'communal clash between Share and Tsaragi in Kwara State has received 20 memoranda, it was learnt yesterday.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed set up the commission, led by a High Court judge, Justice Sulaiman Akanbi, to look into the causes of the December 19 violence. Tsaragi community rejected the panel and urged the governor to set up a reconciliation commission.

This position, it was learnt, informed the community's refusal to attend or send a lawyer to yesterday's inaugural sitting in Ilorin. Justice Akanbi said the commission was a fact-finding one and not a court.

He said it was not out to try, prosecute or deliver judgment.

He listed the commission's terms of reference as: to investigate and ascertain the causes of the clash between Share/Tsaragi; ascertain the loss and damage to life and property; determine the conduct of any person, group of persons or associations that contributed to the clash; investigate and identify persons or group of persons other than security personnel who possessed arms during the disturbance; identify extraneous factors leading to the disturbance and make recommendations for a solution to the civil strife.

Justice Akanbi said the memoranda writers should defend their papers, adding that the public should assist it with information.

He said the evidence and exhibits would be treated on merit, adding that the commission would undertake study/assessment visits to the locations and take oral evidence.

The High Court judge said the commission members were carefully chosen, "given their track record in public and private practice, and they have promised to be rich in integrity, discipline and self-control. "We have also promised to discharge our duties impartially and in consonance with the oath subscribed to.

"As law-abiding citizens, I urge you to conduct yourself peacefully and decently during the proceedings."