A Nigerian diocese has banned women from attending church services while carrying hand-bags.
Bishop Calistus Onaga of Enugu diocese directed all his parish priests to announce this during recent Sunday Masses.
The hand-bag ban is a security measure in response to recent incursions by Boko Haram militants, especially a foiled bomb attack at a church.
Bishop Onaga said the hand-bag ban was not meant to embarrass women or anyone else, but it is because of the security challenges facing the nation.
He said the ban will be undertaken in a civilised manner, adding that the church does not want to take chances.
Apparently women in Enugu dioceses are allowed to take their purses to Catholic Church services.
But even the purses will have to be scrutinised by church workers.