Date: 2013-02-04

Just as normal activities return to the hitherto troubled Offa and Erin-Ile communities in Kwara State, a socio-cultural association in the area, Kwara South Youth Development Initiative (KSYDI) has set up a seven-man committee to mediate between youths of both communities towards finding lasting solution to the communal clash.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, the coordinator of the group, Honourable Ben Duntoye, said the step would go a long way in bringing peaceful reconciliation and thereby promoting unity among people in the two ancient towns.

The group said it was not happy with the turn of event culminating in the destruction of life and property in the two communities.

The Nigerian Tribune investigations revealed that a combined security operatives, comprising soldiers, SSS, and anti-riot policemen had mounted security in the communities to ensure peace and order.

It was also gathered that the people in the two communities had continued to stay indoor, following the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government, except on Friday and Sunday when Muslims and Christians were allowed to observe their religious obligations.

Duntoye, who said the group was committed to the peaceful resolution of the issue at stake in the area, added that youths should not be part of the violence as a way to reduce perceived tension in the towns.

"Since youths are the leaders of tomorrow, all hands must be on deck for them not to be part of the violence and they should come out to educate other stakeholders on the need to bring peace to the area", he said.