From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
A Non Governmental Organization, Search for Common Ground, (Search) has urged stakeholders in the media industry to change the narratives and framing of the farmers/herders crisis for the peace an security of all citizens.
Speaking at a one day conflict sensitivity media roundtable Search Organized for media chiefs in Makurdi, Benue state capital, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Corporate Responsibilities, Mr Onuoha Austin said the media is critical stakeholders in maintaining peace in any society.
Onuoha who presented a paper tiltled “Farmer and Herder Conflicts, Policy Option and Roles of the Madia”, also described the Media as a veritable tool to reducing incidences of farmers/herders crisis and urged journalists to be more creative with their stories.
He said the media must go beyond the traditional practice of breaking the news to inform but that their stories should be written and targeted at proffering solutions to the farmers/herders conflicts and other issues in the society.
Onuoha who observed that the farmer/herder crisis have escalated in most cases because of the reports churned out by some journalist in their attempt to break news, sell their papers and score some points urged journalists to rather draw attention of authorities to end the crisis.
“Journalism practice has evolved over the years and your stories must elicit assistance on finding common grounds to end the crisis when they arise.
“Media reports should set agenda for relevant establishments to put up accessible redress mechanisms for those affected in the crisis,” he said.
He further suggested that the media should avoid dwelling on conflict theories but practice transformative journalism with reports centred on economy, security, governance, developments, common grounds and positive citizenship initiatives that can better affect the lives of citizens.
It should be noted that Search, an NGO, is implementing a 24 months projects titled, “Transforming the Herder-Farmer Conflict and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Belief in Nigeria’s Middle Belt,” particularly in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states.
The organization has held a Peace Advocacy Dialogue, PAD, with several stakeholders in the state and have continued to meet with others to find solutions to the crisis.
State Project Coordinator, Chorbe Joshua and Senior Project Manager for Search, Olutoyin Falade expressed happiness that the dialogue with pilot LGs, Guma and Otukpo is yielding positive responses and expressed their commitments to extend their activities to Agatu, Makurdi and Logo to ensure that the crisis associated with farmer and herder become history.
Stakeholders at the event also suggested continuous advocacy visits and sensitization of all parties as panacea to solving the problems.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Benue State Council, Mrs Victoria Ashar thanked the organization for building the capacity of journalists on conflict sensitivity and pledged media collaboration for lasting peace.
