Boko Haram Claims Responsibility for Baga Attack, Says "The Lord Told Us To"

Boko Haram militants have claimed responsibility for the attack on Baga that killed at least 150 people Jan. 7. In a video released this week, a man claiming to be Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau says that the terrorist group orchestrated the attack and warns that more violence is coming. 

The Nigerian government maintains that the attack on Baga killed 150 people, though witnesses of the attack said that as many as 2,000 people were slaughtered in the massacre. 

"We killed the people of Baga. We indeed killed them, as our Lord instructed us in His Book," Shekau said in the video obtained by the AFP news agency.

"We will not stop. This is not much. You'll see."

Shekau then challenged authorities to stop the group’s violence. 

The kings of Africa, you are late. I challenge you to attack me even now. I'm ready," he said. 

Christian Today reports that Nigerian officials have claimed Shekau was dead multiple times, but videos featuring the leader appear afterward. It is unclear if Shekau is alive or if a militant is imitating him in the videos. 

Publication date: January 21, 2015