Govt urges increased vigilance after mosque attacks

The Cameroonian government has urged its people to be more vigilant in the wake of an attack on Wednesday, January 13, on a mosque that killed at least 12 people.

This the latest in a series of attacks blamed on Boko Haram militants.

Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the Far North Region of Cameroon, said  Muslims should be on guard at mosques to help avert the kind of attacks that have plagued Muslims attending morning prayers.

READ: Suicide bomber kills at least 10 in Cameroon mosque

Bakari also suggested that all prayer sessions in mosques should be divided into two, with the first group praying and the second group keeping watch. The groups would then switch. He also said unknown people should not be given access to mosques.

Muslim cleric Imam Ahmidou Moustapha of Kolofata said asking a Muslim not to pray with others of their faith is contrary to their religious teachings. But he says it is an option when they are faced with terrorist acts.

Moustapha said the most important thing is for people to forgo rivalries and to work together for peace. He said people should understand there will always be differences among them.