The judicial commission of inquiry into Erin-Ile/Offa communal crisis in Kwara State held its inaugural sitting in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday.

Speaking at the inaugural sitting, the chairman of the commission, Hon. Justice Adeyinka Sikiru Oyinloye said the commission's assignment was fact-finding, and advised counsels to avoid unnecessary technicalities that could cause delay.

He said the commission had six weeks to submit its report.

Oyinloye also sought for the cooperation of members of the commission and the general public to ensure a peaceful conduct of its assignment.

He advised those who do not have anything to do with the commission's work to stay away from the proceeding and avoid distracting it.

In their responses the counsels to Offa and Erin-Ile communities, Dr Bello Shittu and Barrister Muyideen Adekoyejo Bello respectively commended the state government for setting up the commission and expressed confidence in the ability of the members of the commission to carry out its assignment.

The commission has the following as its terms of reference;

1. the immediate and remote causes of the crisis
2. the extent of damage to property
3. the number of lives lost
4. the person(s) responsible for damages/lives lost
5. Possible solution/recommendation to prevent future occurrence.