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.
