The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Friday banned the performance of funerals at the Yendi municipality until all activities related to the Damba festival are completed with immediate effect. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Northern Regional Minister Designate Mr. Moses Bukari Mabengba It also directed that for security reasons, this year's Damba festival in the Yendi municipality should be celebrated at the Gwewaa Palace only saying the security agencies were in full control of the other parts of the region. The statement said the REGSEC took the decision following threats to security in the region adding that the "Security agencies will be on the lookout for any person or group of persons who may attempt to ignore this directive". "Accordingly, under no circumstance should any group of persons or chiefs, opinion leaders venture to celebrate the event in Yendi outside the Gwewwa Palace," the statement added. The REGSEC also appealed to all chiefs, elders and the general public especially those in and around the Yendi Municipality to take note and cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order. Source: GNA