Kwara - The Kwara Police Command on Thursday said it arrested eight persons in connection with the recent Offa-ErinIIe communal clashes in which several persons were killed.
Mr Fabode Olufemi, the Public Relations Officer of the command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in IIorin that the suspects had dangerous weapons on them at the time of their arrest.
Olufemi said the suspects, who were being detained at the headquarters of the command, would soon appear in court.
The command spokesman also disclosed that only three persons lost their lives in the mayhem as against 10 published by some dailies on Thursday.
He said the two communities lost many valuables to the crisis, including vehicles, motorbikes, buildings and other materials.
The public relations officer said the 24 hour-curfew imposed on the two communities was still in force.
He said security men ensuring law and order in the two communities had been reinforced to fully tackle the situation.
Olufemi said the command would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anybody or group of persons who caused further trouble in the communities.
He advised residents of the areas to go about their legitimate businesses as soon as the curfew was relaxed.
Meanwhile, Razaq Atunwa, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly on Thursday urged the communities to eschew violence.
Atunwa, who made the plea while speaking with newsmen, said there would be no progress in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.
The speaker called on the Elerin of ErinIIe, Oba AbdulGaniyu Olusokun and the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, to engage in dialogue aimed at ending the crisis.
He commiserated with the families of those that died in the mayhem and prayed God to grant them eternal rest.
NAN