Govt announces Judicial Commission of Enquiry into Iloffa/Odo-Owa clashes

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the composition of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry into Iloffa/Odo-Owa communal clashes.

According to a statement released in Ilorin today and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Sola Gold, the Commission is composed of Hon. Justice Sulyman Durosinlorun Kawu, Chief Judge, Kwara State as Chairman while HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Ndanusa Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Mrs. Funsho Dada Lawal, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Barr. Taiye Oniyide, Professional Arbitrator, Bayo Ojo & Co.; Representative of Commissioner of Police; and Representative of Director, Dept. Of State Security Services (SSS) are members, with Elder David A. Adesina, Permanent Secretary, Political, Cabinet & Special Services, Governor’s Office serving as Secretary.

Alhaji Gold listed the judicial commission’s terms of reference as follows: to investigate and ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the violent communal clashes between Iloffa and Odo-Owa; to ascertain the extent of loss and damage to lives and properties following the eruption of the communal clashes; to determine the conduct of any person(s), group of persons or associations that in any way contributed to violent clashes; to investigate and identify persons or group of persons other than security personnel who possessed and employed the use of firearms during the civil disturbances with recommendation of appropriate sanctions for such destructive actions.

It also includes identifying any external/extraneous factors/involvement on the two sides during the violent clashes; to determine the level of involvement or roles of traditional rulers of both communities in the violent communal clashes; to make appropriate recommendations including sanctions if need be, to prevent the re-occurrence of incidence of this nature; and to explore any other issues or recommendations that will ensure lasting and peaceful co-existence between the two communities.

The Judicial commission will be inaugurated by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Wednesday, 5th of July, 2017 at the Council Chambers, Government House, Ilorin by 12.00 noon