Many churches witnessed low worshippers for the Palm Sunday service in Awka, the Anambra State capital, with most of them visited maintaining the required social distancing of no less than two meters for safety.
Across the state, most worship houses were monitored by priests on adherence to government directive while others worshipped online.
At St Peter’s Catholic Church, Nkwelle-Awka, worshipers attended the 6am service maintaining social distancing.
At St Faith’s Anglican Cathedral, a priest who preferred anonymity, was seen ensuring that worshipers used the hand sanitiser placed at the entrance of the church.
“All I am here to do is to make sure that everyone that comes here washes their hands and use this sanitiser,” he said.
At Dominion Chapel, Awka, fewer worshipers were seen entering the church devoid of the large turnout usually witnessed.
A worshipper, Anthony Eigbe, told newsmen that the low turnout was deliberate.
“Proper spacing of about two meters necessitated the low turnout for us not to go contrary to government directive.
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese of the Catholic Church, conducted the Palm Sunday service live on Anambra Broadcasting Service TV and radio stations for its numerous members to follow from their respective homes.
Similarly, Christians in parts of Kaduna State marked this year’s Palm Sunday in their homes because of the imposed curfew by the state government over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Most churches in the state capital, including Barnawa, High Cost, Television, Romi, Sabo and Trikaniya, have remained closed in compliance with the government directive, while the residents marked services in their respective homes.
Pastor Femi Folorunsho of the Devine Life Church in Sabo told newsmen that the prevailing circumstances necessitated the need for everyone to observe self-isolation.
“We told our members to observe services in their homes knowing that God accepts worship irrespective of location,” he said.
Also, Rev. Fr. Christopher of St. Christopher’s Church at Romi, said specific prayers to mark the Holy Week and the Palm Sunday had been transmitted electronically to all Catholics while instructions stipulated compliance with government directive.
“Catholics all over the world will remain in their houses and mark the Palm Sunday as well as offer prayers for the healing of the Earth,” he said.
A resident of Barnawa area, Mr Thomas Ajiya, said considering the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state and the nation, it was only expedient that Christians mark the celebration of any kind at home.
“Bible says our bodies are the Temple of the Lord, as such, one must not have to be at the church building before God hears your prayers.