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READ Why BBC Says It Might Be Hard To Know The Truth About Boko Haram In Nigeria
The Baga killings last week are a case in point, with politicians and government officials offering vastly differentinformation – from 150 dead to 2,000.
News of another attack by Islamist militants from Boko Haram often starts as a vague one-liner as was the caseon 3 January: “Attack on Baga. Loud gunfire heard.”
This first bit of information often comes via social media. The challenge now is to find out the details and there are plenty of obstacles in the way of getting to the truth.
There was shooting from every corner of the headquarters of the multinational task force”
First up there has been no mobile phone connection in Baga for many months after the jihadists attacked mobilephone masts in the north-east.
There are of course the officials whose job it is to tell the world what is going on.
But for the first few days of the Baga crisis both the military spokesmen and government officials were silent or not picking up calls.
Then, often with help from colleagues from the BBC’s Hausa service, the goal is to get through to people whohave witnessed the violence.
Fleeing
On 4 January we spoke to a man who had walked for two days through the bush, eventually getting a lift to the relative safety of the biggest city in the area, Maiduguri, on a lorry.
“There was shooting from every corner of the headquarters of the multinational task force,” he tells me, adding that the exchange of fire lasted hours.
Then there are more testimonies from witnesses who say the military base was overpowered and then the gunmen started killing civilians in Baga town.
Baga, seen here in April 2013, has been the scene of previous clashes between Boko Haram and the army
The military recovered arms in a previous clash but later lost control of Baga again
But every witness we speak to is fleeing for their life. They are not hanging around Baga to check exactly what’s happening so it is hard to be sure we are getting facts.
Then a local politician from the area weighs in with more accounts of people being shot in Baga and others dying as they fled, their boats capsizing on Lake Chad.
“I don’t know how many people have been killed,” says Senator Maina Maaji Lawan, who represents Borno North.
“But at least 70% of the area I represent is in Boko Haram hands.”
Four days after the attack and there is still silence from the government and the military.
Totally untrue
Then some journalists manage to meet the chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
It is not an organised news conference but a hurried exchange in a car park.
He is asked about the attack on the military base in Baga.
“Of course there was an attack,” he shoots back.
“But don’t worry we are at work.”
Can we retake Baga? Mr Badeh is asked.
“Why not?” is the short reply. Seconds later he ducks into his car and is driven off.
It is an unusual way for the capture of Baga to be confirmed officially although it is worth noting this is the same very senior military official who told us a few months ago that a ceasefire deal had been reached with Boko Haram which turned out to be totally untrue.
More eyewitnesses fleeing Baga are telling the BBC about hundreds of bodies on the streets of Baga.
Another local politician says 2,000 are dead. But he is not there to count them – nobody is because it is far too dangerous – so it is hard to believe him.
Election focus
Meanwhile in Paris news breaks of, initially at least, 12 people being shot dead by gunmen. Within minutes President Francois Hollande is speaking to the world’s media offering some clarity and leadership.
“This is an act of exceptional barbarism,” he begins and says security measures are in place to apprehend the perpetrators.
Ten days since Baga was first attacked and there have also been several suicide bombings.
But we have not heard a word from Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan – except for a statement condemning the Paris attacks.
The finance minister also appears keener to comment on events far away that have killed far less people.
“Terrible incident. Our deepest sympathies to the journalists and their families. We are one with France in mourning,” tweets Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with the hash tag #JeSuisCharlie.
Meanwhile local TV stations follow every twist and turn of the presidential election campaign – some are lengthy programmes sponsored by rival political parties.
Nigerian politicians appear more focused on their election campaigns than on security issues
The media seem far more focused on the Valentine’s Day vote. That seems to be where the politicians are focused too.
On Monday evening the government put out a statement saying “the number of people who lost their lives during the Baga attack has so far not exceeded about 150”.
But we may never know how many have died in and around Baga.
We know there will never be an investigation that will reveal the truth.
It won’t be the first time we are not sure if 150, 300, 500 or even 2,000 people were killed in a massacre in Nigeria.
Multi-hyphenate artist, selector, and creative director Queen Petite is ushering in a bold, uninhibited era for global African music with the release of her brand-new single and self-engineered genre movement, “Ikapiano Pop.” Marking her second major genre innovation following her pioneering creation of Dembowpiano, the Nigeria-London based powerhouse continues to push global dancefloors into uncharted territory off the momentum of her standout projects PETITENESS and REBEL BLACK SHEEP.
Guided by her background behind the decks, Queen Petite’s work is driven by an instinctual command of room energy, seamless transitions, and dancefloor mechanics. Ikapiano Pop stands as a textured, high-octane fusion that layers trunk-rattling Miami basslines and crisp hip-hop drums over the hypnotic, swinging log-drums of Afropiano. Grounding this international production is her native heritage: the vocals are written and performed entirely in the Ika dialect, native to the South-South region of Nigeria, proving that raw, local storytelling holds universal cross-border appeal.
“Creating new sounds is second nature to me—first with Dembowpiano, and now stepping into my second genre creation with IKAPIANO POP,” states Queen Petite. “I didn’t start with an existing box and add my name to it; I built the blueprint from scratch. Being a DJ taught me how to read energy, and I wanted to construct something that feels incredible whether you’re listening in headphones or in a packed arena. It brings together my African identity, global influences, and pop accessibility so people feel free, confident, and unstoppable.”
Captured during an intense burst of inspiration, the track was recorded at London’s Hot Money Studios alongside engineer Patrick, with Queen Petite personally directing her Nigerian producer over the phone to execute the exact rhythmic blueprint in her mind. More than just a single release, Ikapiano Pop represents a long-term global movement set to anchor her upcoming DJ sets and live performances across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Described in three words as Free, Vibrant, and Unstoppable, “Ikapiano Pop” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Ikapiano Pop”
Blow Money Records proudly announces the release of “Jẹjẹ,” the latest single and official music video from Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Temmy Dreddz.
Produced by the talented OxDBeat and visually brought to life by Kore Culture with breathtaking scenes filmed in South Africa, Jẹjẹ is a refreshing Afrobeats record that celebrates love, patience, hope, and the beauty of embracing life’s journey one step at a time.
More than just a song, Jẹjẹ delivers a powerful message in a world driven by urgency. Inspired by the Yoruba expression jẹjẹ, meaning gently or take it easy, the record reminds listeners that meaningful progress, genuine love, and lasting success are built with patience, consistency, and faith in the process.
Complementing the song is a visually captivating music video that blends cinematic storytelling with vibrant African scenery, perfectly reflecting the warmth, emotion, and uplifting spirit of the record. Shot against the stunning landscapes of South Africa, the video enhances the song’s message while showcasing Temmy Dreddz’s artistic identity on a global stage.
Speaking on the release, Temmy Dreddz describes Jẹje.
With this release, Temmy Dreddz continues to establish himself as one of the emerging voices in contemporary African music, delivering authentic stories through infectious melodies and relatable songwriting.
“Jẹjẹ” and its official music video are now available on all major digital streaming platforms and YouTube worldwide.
Emerging musical innovator Espago has officially released his captivating new single, “Nisho Baby.” Known for his distinct ability to blur the lines between contemporary pop, smooth R&B, and infectious Afrobeats, Espago delivers a track designed to get listeners moving while enveloping them in a rich sonic atmosphere.
Espago’s unique sound is heavily inspired by the introspective mood of late-night drives and the comforting nostalgia of the early 2000s music era. With “Nisho Baby,” he channels these diverse influences into a seamless, modern groove, prioritizing smooth vocal textures and an irresistible rhythm. The track strikes a perfect balance, acting as both a laid-back vibe for solo listening and an undeniable call to the dance floor.
Moving beyond standard genre boundaries, the single highlights Espago’s commitment to building a unique sonic identity. The production carries a warm, retro-modern texture that allows his melodic performance to take center stage, establishing him as an exciting independent force to watch in the evolving global African music landscape.
“Music for me is all about capturing a specific feeling and turning it into a rhythm people can move to. Nisho Baby is that perfect bridge between early 2000s nostalgia and the modern sounds we love to dance to late at night.”
— Espago
With its effortless charm, smooth transitions, and high-replay value, “Nisho Baby” marks a defining step forward in the artist’s creative journey.
“Nisho Baby” is available now on all major digital music streaming platforms worldwide.
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