A new BBC Africa Eye film from the BBC World Service, Nigeria: Faith, Fear and Fake News, will receive its premiere at the BBC’s Trust is Earnedforum in Lagos. In line with the themes of the forum, the documentary explores how information, claims and narratives about violence have spread online.

The film examines claims widely shared on social media that a ‘Christian genocide’ is taking place, in which Christians in Nigeria are being systematically targeted because of their faith. The documentary explores how these claims have been shared and amplified online, and examines their impact on public discourse.

BBC journalist Adejuwon Soyinka, who has reported on security issues in Nigeria for more than 25 years, leads the investigation. Travelling across Nigeria, he speaks to Muslim and Christian communities affected by violence, community leaders, advocacy groups, researchers and other contributors to explore differing perspectives on a complex issue.

The documentary largely focuses on the aftermath of the Palm Sunday attack on 29 March in Jos, Plateau State. The city has experienced recurring ethnic, religious and communal tensions over many years. On Palm Sunday gunmen attacked a predominantly Christian residential area of the city, resulting in multiple deaths. Six months after the attack, the motive remains unclear – no group has claimed responsibility, and police have yet to establish one. Adejuwon Soyinka travels to Jos to speak to some of the survivors and experts, examining the impact of the attack.

Contributors in the documentary discuss a range of concerns, and broader questions around security and accountability. The investigation also assesses a range of claims that circulated online following the attack and explores concerns about the role misinformation and disinformation may play in deepening divisions.

The Trust is Earned forum is taking place in Lagos and will interrogate how disinformation and misinformation is disseminated, how the BBC investigates it, and the increasing use of AI in its formation. The forum will also explore how misinformation drives real-world harm. New reporting from the BBC published today traces how false social media rumours about so-called “genital theft” have spread across eastern and southern Africa, leading to more than 80 deaths and numerous violent attacks across six countries. Our report uncovers the scale of the problem and how some authorities are trying to manage the associated violence in the face of ongoing misinformation.

Liz Gibbons, BBC Controller of Global Journalism, says: “At the BBC World Service, we have seen how disinformation can deepen divisions and undermine trust in societies around the world. Our journalists have worked hard to report on this complex issue, and it is important that we hear from a wide range of voices from Christian and Muslim communities in Jos, as well as researchers, community representatives and others working on these issues.”

Elsewhere at the Trust is Earned forum, BBC World Questions will be recording a special programme to cover a range of matters including security and will ask, as elections approach in Nigeria, how the public can separate the truth from the lies.

Jonny Dymond will chair the debate with a panel of campaigners, opinion formers and influencers who will take questions from a large public audience.

The BBC World Service is hosting the Trust is Earned forum on 3 September 2026. The day-long event will bring together journalists, researchers, civil society organisations, students and the public to discuss the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. The programme includes panel discussions, workshops and live demonstrations designed to help audiences better understand how false and misleading information spreads online. Highlights from the forum will be live-streamed on BBC News Africa YouTube.

Where to watch?

• Watch ‘Nigeria: Faith, Fear and Fake News’:Available from Thursday 3 September 2026 on:
  • BBC News Africa YouTube and on TV channels broadcasting BBC Africa Eye.
  • UK audiences: Watch on BBC iPlayer.

• World Questions Lagos will be available on BBC World Service radio from Saturday 5 September or wherever you get your BBC podcasts