The Catholic
Diocese of Enugu has banned women from coming to church services with handbags
for security reasons.
According to
the News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN)), it was gathered that the development is
aimed at tightening security measures following the activities of Boko Haram on
places of worship in the country.
The Bishop
of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Calistus Onaga, who announced the ban, also directed
all parish priests within the diocese to make the official announcement in
their parishes.
He appealed
to the faithful to cooperate with the church in that regard, adding that the
exercise was not meant to embarrass the women or anybody but was rather borne
out of the present disturbing insecurity challenges facing the nation.
The head of
the Catholic Church in Enugu State said the measure would be done with human
face, and in a civilised manner.
A worshipper
in the church, who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “I must tell you, that
the Bishop and the entire Catholic faithful in Enugu, are apprehensive with the
rumour of the insurgents infiltrating the east, especially the alleged recent
escape of two buses conveying Boko Haram members to Abia state, during a
security check.
He said: “I
support the development that henceforth, women will no longer be allowed to
enter Catholic churches during masses with hand bags, apart from their purses,
which will also be subjected to thorough scrutiny by church workers.
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Society