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Festival Ban: Youth Clash With Police From Jaiyeola Andrews in Asaba Youths in Asaba defied an evening rainfall and the ban on the celebration of the new yam festival yesterday to catch fun. In the process, they clashed with anti-riot policemen who fired tear gas into the air. The pungent fumes gas filtered into homes in the densely populated Umuagu areas of the city, forcing many residents to quickly cover their faces with napkins soaked with kerosene. As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear if there were any casualties or arrests. The Delta State government had last week placed a ban on this year's New Yam festival when security reports indicated that the rivalry between the highest traditional ruling body, the Asagba-in-Council, and some age grade socio-cultural groups over the date and manner of the festival would lead to a break down of law and order. A meeting involving the state Acting Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, Director of the State Security Service, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Charles Akaya, representatives of the Asagba- in-Council and the group Otu-Ihaza had agreed to abide by the ban and to maintain peace in the city. Since last week Tuesday, armed police have been patroling the city in a convoy of 10 vans led by an armoured tank, ostensibly to disuade those who might want to foment trouble. State commissioner of police said the patrol was to enforce the ban on the celebration of the new yam festival, noting that if the festivities would lead to violence and destruction of lives and property, then it was better that people celebrated in their homes. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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