ALLAFRICA REPORT- Worshippers at the Church of Immaculate Conception (CIC) in Zaramanga, Jos were yesterday made to go through security checks at the gate before entering the church.
The security team conducted the checks as the worshippers arrived for the day's morning service at the Catholic parish church. The team however comprised the church's usual security outfit of Boys Scout members and some other plain-clothed security officials. Rev. Fr. Cletus Gotan, the CIC Parish Priest who spoke on the security arrangement, said the security measure was to safeguard the parishioners. The city of Jos had on 2010 Christmas eve witnessed a spate of bombings across the city, while Abuja had a dose of the bombings on New Year eve. The incidents had left many people dead and injured, leading to increased security at many churches and other public places.
Aside the physical checks, Gotan said the CIC Catholic Parish had acquired some metal detectors to check entrants into its premises to "avoid any unwarranted situation". He however acknowledged that the church needed to increase its security mechanism, and appealed for support.
"Please my people, as you are coming in, submit yourselves to the security agents at the gate, whether they know you or not. What we are doing is for the good of all of us. If you co-operate, we will reduce the chances of somebody coming to attack," he said. The parish priest also advised the parishioners to be security-conscious and make enquiries on the safety or otherwise of places they are going to before moving there. He called on all Christians to continue to show love to their neighbours as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Gotan also expressed the need for more love among all human beings, pointing out that there would be no violence in a place where love is prevalent."We need more security apparatus, and we solicit your support," the priest said. Gotan however appealed to the parishioners to bear with the situation and comply with the security officials' directives.
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