The panel set up by Cross River to investigate the killings and destruction by youths at the oil palm estate in Boki Local Government Area has begun sitting.
The panel, which was inaugurated by Governor Ben Ayade, has one month to submit its report.
The estate, which is surrounded by four communities – Oku, Borum, Irruan and Osokom – had been in crisis since March, last year.
It was learnt some landlords resisted takeover moves by government officials when their rent had not expired.
This led to a division, as youths in the area formed groups, leading to a supremacy battle.
Panel Chairman Justice Maurice Eneji said the panel would receive memoranda from stakeholders and highlight the causes of the crisis.
The chairman said the panel’s terms of reference were: to investigate the activities of the past administration of the oil palm estate and to get the number of those killed and the value of property destroyed.
He added that the panel will recommend possible prosecution of those behind the crisis, advise the government on how best to manage the estate and compensation, if any.
The commission’s Secretary Patrick Agida said it would do a thorough job and restore peace in the communities.
He said the panel was open to those who wish to testify, adding that six memoranda had been received.
Presenting his memorandum, Chairman of Accredited Landlord Committee of the estate, Mr Pius Bisong, said the estate, which was established in 1962 with over 428 plots, had been managed peacefully before the crisis.
Bisong, who narrated how he was arrested by top government officials from Boki, urged the government to privatise the estate.
Another resident, Chief Omang Otu, urged the panel to bring the perpetrators of the crisis to justice.