BY ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA—Abia State government has directed all church leaders in the state to meet with the Director of Department of State Services, DSS, for security tips, in view of infiltration of Boko Haram insurgents into the South-East zone of the country.

This came as churches in the state have introduced security measures to safeguard their worship places from attacks. The government also urged the churches and their members to be always vigilant in the course of service.

It would be recalled that 486 suspected Boko Haram members were arrested in Aba three weeks ago while travelling in a motorcade of 35 buses.

Security agents confirmed that a wanted Boko Haram kingpin was among those arrested, even as there was a bomb scare at Ohafia last week.

Meanwhile, churches in the state have begun taking measures to stave off terror attacks from the Islamist sect.

In some churches, worshippers have been banned from entering the church halls with bags of any type.

They are now allowed to enter into the church with only the Bible and writing materials. Worshippers are also screened with security metal detectors.

In addition to the above security measures, the parking lots of most of the churches have moved a bit further from the churches and are also checked by the private security guards engaged by the churches.