In spite of the fatal communal clashes between the two hitherto peaceful communities of Offa and Erin-Ile, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has emphasised that the communities were destined to live together, stressing that the two communities should explore their differences as sources of strength and not weakness.

The governor spoke while receiving the report of the Justice Adeyinka Sikiru Oyinloye Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Erin-Ile/Offa Communal Crisis.

Ahmed, who emphasised that the communities were destined to live together, urged them to see their differences as sources of strength and not weakness.

The governor called on other communities prone to communal clashes to use their proximity in strengthening their economic potentials for development rather than the promotion of destructive tendencies.

“Our generation must always play critical role in advancing the course of harmony in the country as future generations would hold the present generation accountable for whatever happens,’’ he said.

The governor was of the view that growth and development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

He described the presentation of the report of the commission as a big step towards ensuring peace in the state.

Ahmed gave an assurance that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented to the letter.

He added that as custodian of the tradition of their people, traditional rulers would be involved in the implementation of the recommendations.

Speaking earlier, Oyinloye said members of the committee kept faithfully to the terms of reference.

Oyinloye urged the people of Offa and Erin-Ile to see beyond the report of the committee by reconditioning their minds for peace in order to avert a recurrence.

He also declared that the report of the committee was not influenced by any external consideration, adding that the governor gave the committee a free hand to discharge its assignment.

The state government, on February 6, inaugurated the commission of enquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and the extent of damage to property.

It was also to determine the number of lives lost and to proffer immediate and long term measures to prevent future occurrence.