[SaharaReporters] The threat of an impending Boko Haram
 ... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
attack in the city of Garoua, Cameroon
...a long, narrow country that fills the space between Nigeria and Chad on the northeast, CAR to the southeast. Prior to incursions by Boko Haram nothing ever happened there...
forced local authorities to cancel the usual Friday prayers, plunging the community into uncertainty and fear, SaharaReporters has learnt.
According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the turbans had been spreading news of their plans throughout the day, and with recent escalations in their attacks, the authorities took the precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the public.
"Given the serious threat posed by Boko Haram gunnies in the region, the decision was made to suspend Friday prayers as a preventive measure," said a local government official who preferred to remain anonymous.
"Our priority is the safety of our citizens, and we had no choice but to act swiftly."
Boko Haram, an holy warrior bully boy group based in northeastern Nigeria, has carried out a series of attacks in the Lake Chad region, including parts of Cameroon, since 2013.
Their violent mostly peaceful campaign, which has included bombings, kidnappings, and ambushes, has caused immense hardship for the affected populations.
The group aims to establish a hardline interpretation of Islamic law and has frequently targeted civilian populations, security forces, and religious institutions.
This disruption comes amid a heightened security presence in the region, with the group intensifying its offensive in recent weeks.
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