Six policemen, including a unit commander, were injured during the Share/Tsaragi communal clash, it was learnt yesterday.

The communities in Ifelodun and Edu local government areas of Kwara State clashed over land on December 19 and 20.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed set up a commission of enquiry, headed by Justice Sulyman Akanbi of the High Court, to investigate the causes of the fracas.

At the commission's sitting yesterday, the Police Area Commander in Share and Tsaragi, Abdulaziz Obansa, said most of the destroyed property were in Share.

He said riot policemen drafted to the scene, after exhausting their tear gas canisters, withdrew. They were later overpowered by youths suspected to be from Tsaragi, who shot at the policemen.

"When our men moved to Community Primary School, Share, they were attacked. A deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and five others were injured. The unit commander was shot in the leg." He said the military restored peace.

Obansa said: "When the clash started, the two district police officers (DPOs) in Share and Tsaragi called me and we moved in with our men to see the two monarchs. We implored them to tell their subjects to be peaceful. The appeal fell on deaf ears.

"The crisis escalated. I asked the rulers to inform the then police commissioner, who later told the governor. That was why the military were invited. They restored peace.

"The police intensified patrol of the areas. We are still there to monitor situation, reporting to the headquarters. So far, peace is being sustained.

"We believe it should continue like this while the commission is investigating to find a solution to the crisis." He said the communities in liaison with the DPOs should meet to end the crisis.

"I urge the people to give peace a chance. I see them as brothers and sisters. They should see land as belonging to God."