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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.
Nigerian Gospel music minister and songwriter Min. Faith Oni has released a new single titled “Glory Chant (Open Worship Anthem),” an energetic praise anthem inspired by his personal walk with God and his vision to see people express their worship without reservation.”
Released on October 31, 2026, “Glory Chant (Open Worship Anthem)” brings together vibrant Gospel sounds, beautiful instrumentation, and an infectious chant-led chorus that invites listeners into an atmosphere of joyful and wholehearted praise.
Built around the memorable refrain, “Ayaya Eh,” the song carries a powerful message: nobody can praise God better than you can, because nobody else can offer Him the unique expression of praise that belongs to you.
For Min. Faith Oni, “Glory Chant” is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of a conviction that every believer has a unique response to God’s greatness, and that praise should never be limited by inhibition, circumstance, or the expectations of others.
The subtitle “Open Worship Anthem” reflects a larger vision that is central to Faith’s musical journey.
Through “Open Worship”, Min. Faith Oni envisions a global worship movement that draws people into genuine encounters with God, inspires deeper devotion, and raises a generation of worshippers and Gospel music ministers who understand the spiritual purpose of their gifts.
The vision extends beyond music releases to include collective worship gatherings, mentoring and raising young Gospel music ministers, and creating platforms where people can freely express their love for God.
In this regard, “Glory Chant” serves as an expression of that vision — a sound calling people to rediscover the beauty of personal praise and the privilege of responding to God for themselves.
Min. Faith Oni is a Nigerian Gospel music minister and songwriter passionate about using music as an instrument to draw people closer to God.
With a foundation in church choir ministry spanning over four years, his journey has been shaped by spiritual growth, personal encounters with God, and a deepening understanding of the place of music in worship.
His musical vision is rooted in the conviction that music is a gift from God, intended to communicate His greatness and inspire genuine devotion. Through his songs and the vision of Open Worship, he hopes to become a voice that inspires people to know God more intimately and live for His glory.
Listen below;
The UK-Nigerian artist is shortlisted in five genre categories as well as Diaspora Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year
Princess Wonda has been nominated in eight categories at the Diaspora Creatives Awards 2026, the awards body confirmed on its official nominee list.
The UK-Nigerian Afrofusion artist is shortlisted for Diaspora Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist, Songwriter of the Year, and five genre awards: Best Afrobeats Artist, Best Amapiano Artist, Best Afro-Fusion Artist, Best Afro-R&B and Afro-Soul Artist, and Best Afro Pop Artist.
The Diaspora Creatives Awards, which runs under the line “Stars Beyond Borders”, holds its inaugural ceremony on Saturday 21 November 2026 at Atlanta Virtual Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Public voting is open now at diasporacreativesawards.com.
Responding to the news on Instagram, Princess Wonda said she was “truly feeling honoured to be considered in 8 categories”.
The nominations were announced on 12 September, three weeks after she released Magic Hour, a seven-track EP produced by Mr Marz and Indigo Beats with guitar from Fiokee. The project passed three million Spotify streams in under two weeks and was her first EP or album since her 2021 debut Fantasy Fair.
She headlines 229 in London on Saturday 10 April 2027 with The Magic Hour Live Experience, a full live show with band, dancers and special guests. Tickets are on sale.
Every icon starts with a single spark. For emerging Nigerian Afrobeats artist Queen Geradzzy, that moment came back in 2013 on the vibrant streets of Lagos Mainland. Watching Tiwa Savage command the stage with poise, power, and unapologetic femininity, a young Geradzzy didn’t just see an artist—she saw a blueprint for her own future.
What began as a childhood dream quickly grew into an undeniable calling. By 2019, Geradzzy took a leap of faith, moving to Lekki to immerse herself fully in the heart of the Nigerian music industry. Years of quiet dedication, vocal refinement, and deep creative exploration followed. Today, that discipline is paying off as she prepares to step into the global spotlight.
Queen Geradzzy’s music sits at an exciting intersection where classic Afrobeats rhythms meet polished international pop and R&B. Her sound is inherently versatile—catchy, sensual, deeply emotional, and effortlessly relatable.
Much like the artist herself, her music balances soft vulnerability with an unshakeable, ambitious confidence. She brings a fresh perspective to modern African pop, leading with strong feminine energy and an aura of intentional mystery that leaves listeners wanting more.
Geradzzy’s upcoming debut EP is designed as a formal introduction to her artistry and personal journey. The project captures her evolution as both a woman and a musician, weaving through themes of romantic attraction, self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.
With her eyes firmly set on the international stage, Queen Geradzzy is building a brand rooted in memorable melodies, high-concept visual storytelling, and live performances crafted to resonate across cultures.
The little girl from Lagos Mainland who once watched her idol on screen is now ready to build an empire of her own. Keep your eyes on Queen Geradzzy—her story is just getting started.
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