The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev.
Nicholas Okoh, on Friday in Lokoja, confirmed the release of the wife of the
Anglican Bishop of Bari Diocese in Kano State, who was kidnapped last
week.
Archbishop Okoh announced this during the consecration service of five
new bishops and presentation of two archbishops, at the Cathedral Church
of Holy Trinity, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The service was broadcast live on the Church television channel and
monitored by NAN in Abuja.
The victim, Mrs Saratu Zubairu and a Diocesan secretary simply identified
as Deborah, were kidnapped on the morning of March 10, 2020.
They were taken by gunmen who reportedly laid siege to Gidan Mato in
Bari, where the Anglican Cathedral and Bishop’s Court are situated, and
looted the town and premises.
However, Okoh told the congregation that Zubairu and the secretary had
regained their freedom.
NAN reports that the newly consecrated Bishops are Felix Olorunfemi for
Etsako Diocese, Cletus Tambari, Gombe Diocese; Benson Chukwunweike
for Awgu/Aninri Diocese.
Two Suffragan (assistant) Bishops, were also consecrated for the
Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a missionary body of
the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
They are Bishops Scott Seely and Celestine Ironna for CANA West.
Similarly, the Most Rev. Markus Ibrahim was presented as the new
Archbishop of the Province of Jos, while the Most Rev. Cyril Odutemu for
the Province of Bendel.
Meanwhile in light of the spread of Coronavirus in the country, the clerics
enforced the suspension of the administration of one chalice (communion
cup), during Holy Communion at the consecration service.
Plastic disposable cups were used during Holy Communion.
NAN also reports that the Church also enforced the suspension of
handshakes and hugs which were hitherto used for the “exchange of
peace” during Holy services.
The congregants waved at each other instead of the traditional handshakes
and hugs.
Also, the clergy were seen administering hand sanitizers to communicants
before the communion.
NAN reports that the Primate had issued a pastoral letter to all Anglicans in
Nigeria directing that certain steps be taken to guard against the spread of
COVID-19 among worshipers
“Let the Church be encouraged to trust God who is well able to help us in
our times of trouble (Psalms 46:1). This is the time to trust and obey God
than to be anxious and panic (Phil 4: 6-7).
“Since this virus is communicable, the Church is to prayerfully put on hold
the sharing of one chalice to all during Holy Communion. Other smaller
communion cups should be used for individual communication.
“Also, handshakes and hugs during the exchange of peace should be
substituted with non-contagious gestures such as hand waving, mutual
bowing, or making the sign of the cross among others.
“Let everyone be encouraged to observe good personal hygiene through
proper washing of hands with soap or hand sanitizer; covering of mouth
with a handkerchief when sneezing or coughing,” Okoh said in the letter
dated March 12, 2020.
