The Imo State Government has banned display by masquerades in communities in the Ideato North Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement addressed to the chairman of Ideato North LGA Council of Traditional Institute and Community Policing, Eze K.N Kanu, by the chairman of the state council of the institute, Eze Emmanuel Okeke.

The statement dated December 1 was sighted by our correspondent in Owerri, the state capital on Monday.

The statement titled, Security directive from the chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Institution and Community Policing read, “Considering the security situation in some parts of the state, the state government has directed that all forms of masquerade displays in all communities in your LGA should be suspended forthwith till further notice.

“Furthermore, any traditional ruler, or masquerade group in Ideato North LGA that disobeys this directive will face serious sanctions from the state government.

“Endeavour to make sure every traditional ruler in your Local Government Area complies with this directive.”