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IJHSE Abstract

Peace Journalism and Development: An Appraisal of Boko Haram Insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria

Suleiman M. Yar’Adua and *Aondover Eric Msughter

Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s Contact Detail: E-mail Address ✉: aondover7@gmail.com

Accepted August 24, 2020

Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defence of peace must be constructed. Considering the roles journalists play in development, peace journalism has become paramount, it is really impossible to talk about real development without peace. Peace can importantly be seen as the inevitable forerunner to development; when there is no peace, conflict then takes over. This research has substantially examined peace journalism and development within the context of Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. Peace journalism is fundamental, like in any type of reporting. It facilitates reporters to disseminate information that would help attune to the development of a nation. Based on the available literature, the study discovered that the media have been variously blamed for their role in the exacerbation of different conflicts in complex and heterogeneous countries like Nigeria. The study uses cultural theory of conflict and diversity as its theoretical justification with a view to explain vividly the supposed role of journalists in an ideal situation. The findings of the study revealed that the media can instigate conflict when fairness and objectivity is missing in their reportage. Based on the findings, the study concludes that media houses should imbibe the appropriate way of reporting peace journalism and development in the country, especially in the Northeast of Nigeria where cases of ethnic, religious, political and other types of conflicts are more pronounced.

Key words: Boko Haram, Conflict, Development, Journalism, Northeast and Peace.

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