THE MEDIA AND THE CHALLENGE OF PEACE BUILDING BETWEEN

FARMERS AND HERDSMEN IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.

UNDER THE SUB-THEME:
THE CHALLENGE OF BULIDING NIGERISAN-WIDE SECURITY.
BY
CELESTINE, VERLUMUN GEVER
Email:encyclopeadia100@gmail.com
Phone: 08064938817 & 08152553620
Paper presented at the Keffi International conference on Politics between Nations:
100 years of security in Nigeria held at the Nasarawa state University, Keffi
between 5-7 November, 2014
DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
NSUKKA, NIGERIA.
One of the major security challenges that has confronted the North Central geo-political
zone for the past one hundred years of Nigerias existence is the perennial clashes
between farmers and herdsmen. For the past one hundred years, many people have been
gruesomely murdered, houses set ablaze and property worth billions destroyed. This
paper is a response to part of efforts in dissecting security issues in Nigeria for the last
centenary with attention to the mass media Vis-a-Vis herdsmen/farmers clashes. The
paper relays on the agenda setting function of the mass media coupled with the
provisions of social responsibility and agenda setting theories, to argue that the media
are under obligation to build peace between the warring factions and draw government
attention where there is need. The paper through a survey research design, examines the
challenges faced by journalists in their peace building efforts between the herdsmen and
the farmers in North Central Nigeria. The paper further examines how the challenges
can be addressed to pave the way for the media to better perform its duty of peace
building and consequently guarantee peace in North Central Nigeria for the next one
hundred years.
Keywords: Media, challenge, peace, farmers, herdsmen

Introduction
One of the greatest challenges of a good scholar is to comment on current issues,
investigate them and proffer solutions with the overall objective of making the society a
better place. A comprehensive approach in examining internal security threats that have
confronted Nigeria in the last one hundred years of nationhood sense amalgamation in
1914 by the then Governor General Sir, Fredrick Lugard (who later became Lord Lugard)
will certainly include the perennial clashes between farmers and herdsman especially in
North Central Nigeria.
Different scholars may examine the crisis in different ways depending on their areas of
academic competence. To communication scholars (which is my area of specialization) a
holistic approach in resolving the perennial impasse, which Ajuwon (2004) and Fasona and
Omojola (2005) maintained is the most preponderant resource use conflict in Nigeria,
will include the role of communication through the mass media. In investigating the
conflict vis--vis the mass media, this study tilts towards two directions- audience
assessment of media coverage of the massacre and the factors that inhibit journalists from
building peace between the two parties. The proclivity of some persons to argue that the
media have no role in building peace between farmers and herdsman is very high. In fact,
this study expects such

an argument. First, section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the

federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states:

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The press, radio television and other agencies of the mass media shall at
all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this
chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the
government to the people.
The above provision in the constitution gives the press the duty to hold the government
accountable to the people. The constitution in section 14(b) further states, Security and
welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This purpose includes
preventing conflicts and that includes between farmers and herdsmen while it behooves
the press to make sure that the government does this. Similarly, the Nigerian Union of
Journalists (NUJ) code of 1998 states

A Journalist should provide the universal

principles of human rights, democracy, justice, equity, peace and international

understanding (Ekwueme 2009).The interest of this study is in the building of peace as
demanded by the NUJ code. Therefore, from both constitutional and professional view
points, the media have roles to in building peace between farmers and herdsmen in
Nigeria.
A corollary to the above comes these posers- have the media effectively performed its
peace building function? What are the challenges thwarting the media from doing this?
How can these challenges be addressed. These three posers will drive this paper.
Statement of the Problem
Conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in North Central Nigeria have become too
perennial, thus constituting a threat to the unity and progress of the centenarian-country.
This is in addition to the fact that the pogrom has brought unfold hardships on both parties
3

especially the farmers whose houses and farm produce are usually destroyed in the
process.
The mass media that are the watch dog of the society are constitutionally empowered and
professionally expected to play positive roles in bringing to a complete end to this
callousness. Consequently, there is the need to determine how far the media have
performed this arbitration role and the challenges limiting their level of success. This is
more so that there appears not to be convincing majors put in place by the appropriate
authorities to addressing issues that usually ignite the conflicts.
Objectives of the study
This study is set to achieve the following:
1. To determine audience assessment of media coverage of the herdsmen farmers conflicts
in north central Nigeria.
2. To highlight the challenges limiting the media from building peace between farmers and
herdsmen in north central Nigeria.
3. To ascertain how to create an enabling environment for the media to effectively build
peace between farmers and herdsmen in north central Nigeria.

Research Questions
This study is set to provide answers to the following questions:
1. What is audience assessment of media coverage of the herdsmen-farmers conflicts in
North Central Nigeria?
4

2. What are the challenges limiting the media from building peace between farmers and
herdsmen in North Central Nigeria?
3. How can the media be better positioned to build peace between farmers and herdsmen in
North Central Nigeria?

Conflicts Between Farmers and Herdsmen in Nigeria.

Conflicts of varying degrees between farmer and herdsmen have become too
perennial especially in North Central Nigeria. These conflicts sometimes end fatal from
both parties, property worth billions are destroyed, people are displaced from their homes,
cattle are killed among others. The six states that make up the North Central Benue,
Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara have at different point had their share of the
conflict. The Pivot editorial of April 10th, 2014 captures. The situation in Benue State
thus:
It is appallingly stultifying that the pogroms in their droves under
the aegis of Fulani militia unleash terror, havoc and destruction
on the farm yields in Benue.. The Wanton destruction of human
lives, farmlands and agricultural produce is gradually having a
toll on the food security.The food barns, orchards, chickens,
ducks and all what have you to be looted and carted away or
alternatively poisoned by the program is not encouraging at all.
The submission above gives insight to the consequence of the conflict in Benue
State. The same thing is applicable in Nasarawa as Shuibu (2014) writes No Fewer than
four people were reported killed in a renewed clash between Fulani herdsmen and Egon
farmers in Nasarawa state. Similarly, Plateau, another of north Central State has equally
had its share of the conflict as evidenced by the Ojewunmi (2013 para 11) thus Violence
outbreak on Wednesday between the Fulani and Tarok in Wase Local Government Area of
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Plateau State leaves 20 people dead Niger State government in apparent fear of the
Fulani repatriated Fulani herdsmen from the state. This Opara (2014 paras 1 - 3) captures:
The Niger State Government over the weekend evicted about 200
Fulani herdsmen under tight security from the state. The state
government did not only order for the immediate eviction of the
herdsmen from the state but also provided trucks to evacuate them to
Kaduna State which they claimed they had come from.
The revelation above goes to show that the continuous clashes between farmers and
herdsmen made people to become suspicious of Fulani herders. Kwara and Kogi states
equally received their share as evidenced in the studies by Tenuche and Ifafimehim (2009)
and Adia (2009). For example, Tenuche and Ifatimehin in a study on Resource Conflict
among Farmers and Fulani herdsmen: Implications for resource sustainability with Kogi
state as an area of study describe the conflict thus: These conflicts are most responsible
for the unsustainable utilization of land and water resources. The scholars list the
consequences of the conflict in Kogi state to include loss of crop yields, loss of economic
plants, pollution of drinking water, increased labour in pre farming activities, loss of soil
fertility and loss of fish resource. Adisa conducted a study in Kwara State on, land use
conflict between farmers and Herdsmen implications for agricultural and rural
development in Nigeria,

and observed that creating better awareness of land use

regulations among farmers and herdsmen could go a long way in reducing cases of conflict
between the two parties. This is where the role of the mass media becomes relevant. The
media can plan and organize awareness

creation on land use for both farmers and

herdsmen.

On the causes of conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, Ingawa Ega and Erhabor
(1999) list the following: (i)changing resource access rights whereby traditional access
right to communal grazing and water are being obstructed by the individual tenure ship of
arable farmers, (ii) Inadequacy of grazing resources (iii) Decline in internal discipline and
social cohesion as the adherence to the traditional rules regarding grazing periods and the
authority of the traditional rulers is breaking down.
It is important to add here that there appears not to be a consensus between farmers and
herdsmen on the causes of the conflicts. A study conducted by Adekunle and Adisa (2010)
in which both herdsmen and farmers were sampled revealed that inadequate knowledge of
stock routes, depleting soil fertility and the need to increase scale of operation by both
groups increase the potential for conflicts. The result further showed mutual accusation as
farmers accuse herdsmen for destroying their farmers of cultivating on farmland hitherto
not meant for farming. Retaliation was also found to be one of the major sources of
conflict escalation.
Conflict and the Mass Media
Conflict is a fundamental aspect of the society. It is an essential aspect of the society
because whether we like it or not, it is with us and will continue to be with us. This party
explains why to the Chinese, conflict is an opportunity for change. Godwoli (2002, p. 2)
divides conflicts into functional and dysfunctional categories. According to the scholar, a
conflict is functional or constructive when it improves the quality of decision, stimulates
creativity and innovation through which problems can be made public and tension
released, and faster the environment of self-evaluation and change. However, conflict
7

becomes destructive or dysfunctional when it leads to retarded communication, reduction

in group cohesiveness and a subordination of goals to the primary of in-fighting among
members. Dysfunctional conflicts could bring a system to a half and threaten its survival.
Such is the case with farmers- herdsmen conflict in north central Nigeria. The conflict
between these parties constituted/constitutes a threat to the cohesion of northern Nigeria
and even the entire country. It is one unfortunate conflict that should have been avoid if all
stakeholders embrace dialogue rather than resorting to arms.
Reporting conflict by the mass media is a social responsibility that must not be
compromised. It is a responsibility that must be done to achieve result. Galadima (2002, p.
62) must have been thinking along the same line when he identifies the following as
reasons for reporting conflict-(1) To create awareness of such conflict so that it does not
escalate (ii) To help community, religious and other leaders resolve such conflict within
their areas. (iii) To generate ideas of how to resolve or reduce the conflict (iv) To expose
the shadows or secondary parties to conflicts and their reasons for sponsoring such
conflicts (v) To de-escalate rather than increase the conflict (vi) To publicize the plight of
the victims of violent conflict for necessary assistant. (vii) To serve or provide early
warning for leaders and law enforcement officials to nip in the bud potential conflicts.
Based on the reasons for reporting conflict as outlined by the Galadima, it becomes
logical to say that conflict reporting should be done professionally.

Unprofessional

reportage of conflicts is as deadly as poisoned meal, it can kill. For example, the farmersherdsmen conflict in north central Nigeria if poorly and unprofessionally reported can
degenerate into a full fledged war between farmers and herdsmen! Commenting on the
8

need for editors to be careful in handling conflict related stories, Gujbawu (2002 p, 79)
writes:
Since conflicts are part of our daily life, editors should make
sure that conflict related stories get the attention they deserve
before going to the press. This is because of the likely
consequences of the news relating to conflict different
interpretations are bound to be given by the members of the
public. The task of the editors therefore is both Herculean and
enormous. Editorial decisions regarding this type of reports put
the editor in a tight corner.
The summation above further shows that the editor must discharge his/her gate keeping
function professionally and this should be applicable in the reportage of the farmer
herdsmen conflict in northern Nigeria. But whether this is the reality on ground is part of
what this study will determine. Gujbawu further outlines the following considerations for
editors handling conflict.
a. Understanding the nature of the conflict: The editor must thoroughly read through the
report brought and explore content. He must understand what nature of conflict is being
reported. Is it religious conflict or ethnic muting era or political squabbles? This will help
in determining how best to handle it.
b. Verify the sources: This is very important because some reporters lack commitment and
curiosity, hence, submit unconfirmed reports to the editor. Some do not even go to the
scene of the conflicts; they just rely on heresay. The editor can confirm sources of stories
through different ways possible including telephone calls, face-to-face contacts etc. This is
even very important in the farmers herdsmen conflict which takes place in the hinterland
where some reporters may not be willing to go for either reasons of bad road, fear, laziness
etc.
9

c. Adhere to fairness and objectivity: Truth is sacred to newsmen and it must be reflected
all through whether in reportorial responsibilities or any other journalistic piece. It is the
duty of the editor to ask reporters to present balanced fair and objective reports to him.
This is to give fair treatment to the parties involved in the conflict. Therefore, the judgment
they make affects thousands or even million of people. Presenting all sides of the conflict
gives respect to the organization and enhances credibility.
d. Graphs and Pictures: Graphs and pictures aid news stories. Graphs show the sealed or
largeness or smallness of numbers or occurrences, regarding number of dead people in
violent conflict. If its presentation has negative implications, the editor should not use it. In
the same way, pictures are even more graphic and convincing. Gory pictures of burnt
bodies or cars or places of worship provoke sentiments and emotions. Even if the editor
wants to use them, the timing should be correct, and the scenes in the pictures should be
soft and not violent.
e. Thinking of the future: A good editorial judgment and competence stand the test of time,
it is a sure material for managerial or even higher chosen careers, editorial job has its
rewards and punishment. A good hardworking editor is compensated by way of higher
position or responsibilities and vice versa.
Another important angle for this study is the surveillance function of the media.
The idea behind the surveillance function of the media is that, the media can scan/survey,
watch, observe the environment and report to the society with a view to avoiding or
preventing possible danger, or avoiding more danger as the situation may be. Udeze and
Chukwuma (2013) write Amongst the core responsibilities of the mass media,
surveillance function takes a critical role. Commenting further on what is expected of the
10

media, the duo observe, Here, the media are expected to bring to the consciousness of the
public impending dangers. This media function places demand on the media to cover,
analyze and report impending dangers that are threats to lives and properties of a given
society.
Previous studies (Binga 2011, Kem 2010 and Ziya 2011) have shown that if the
media effectively play it surveillance function, they could avert security threats. For
example, Binya in a study revealed that media surveillance function has helped to avert
many conflict in Cameroon, Kem documents the same thing with regards to media
surveillance function in Ethiopia. So also did Ziya documents of media function in Benin
Republic. Based on the result of these studies, one may argue that the mass media have the
capacity to forestall the perennial clashes between farmers and herdsmen in north central
Nigeria.
Similarly, some researchers have investigated how far the media in Nigeria have fared
with regards to combating security related issues. A study conducted by Una (2008) on
media coverage of five selected conflicts the 1964 1965 election crisis, the Maitatsine
Massacre, the May anti SAP riot of 1999, the Zangon-Kafaf mayhem of 1992 and the
presidential election debacle of 1993 revealed flagrant cases of unprofessional reportage
by the media. Maxwell (2010) documents the same result when he found out that the
media especially the broadcast media have not adequately contributed to security stability
in Nigeria. Their results were corroborated by other researchers like Adeyemi (2011),
Nwafor (2011) and Obijiofor (2008) while Udeani (1994) differs with them when he noted
that the media made fairly good efforts in covering conflict in Nigeria.
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Theoretical Foundation
The argument in this study was anchored on

two theories. They are agenda

setting and social responsibility theories. Agenda-setting theory posits that the media
determine what issues to be considered most important by the society. The theory was
proposed by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw in 1972/1973 (Asemah, p 176).Gever
(2013) observes that the theory is important because it is a media effect theory.
Summarizing, Gever writes If you present a radio/television programme, how did it
affect the receivers? If it is a newspaper/magazine story, what is its impact on the
readers? Folarin (1998, p. 68) remarks that the agenda-setting theory implies that the
media predetermine what issues to think about. Folarin adds that the media do this
through factors like frequency of reporting, prominence given to the reports through
headline display, pictures and layout in newspapers, magazines, films, graphics or timing
on radio and television. Also, the degree of conflict generated in the reports and
cumulative media specific effects over time. This theory gives an insight on the role of
the media in making the conflict between farmers and herdsmen an issue of national
concern for the various stake holders to take appropriate decisions. Through media
reportage of the conflict, the government can consider implementing some policies that
will lead to a lasting peace between the warring factions. The media can equally plan and
execute some campaigns on the need for the duo (farmers and herdsmen) and adopt more
civilized approaches of expressing their grievances. In setting agenda for the public, the
media must be responsible in line with the social responsibility theory.
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The social responsibility theory is an outcome of a commission of communication gurus

known as the Hutchins Commission of inquiry of 1947. The commission gave birth to the
notion of social responsibility and pointed out the key journalistic standards that the press
should seek to maintain. According to the tenets of the theory, freedom carries with it a
corresponding responsibility which the media must not compromise. . (McQuail, 2005,
p.171).
This theory provides a backing for this study as it shows that journalists are duty
bound to provide a true account of the farmer-herdsmen conflict in north central Nigeria.
Media reports must not bias in favour or against either of the two groups.
Methods
Survey research design was adopted for this study to enable the researcher get the
data on the subject of investigation. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for the
study. First, the researcher purposively selected Benue State as the area of study. The state
has a land mass of 34,059 sq km,

and is bounded in the east by Taraba State, north by

Nasarawa, Ebonyi and cross River states in the south and Kogi state in the west. At the
second stage of the sampling, the researcher divided the media into; broadcast, print,
private and public. As a follow up, four media stations Radio Benue Makurdi (public
broadcast), Joy FM Otukpo (Private broadcast, The National Frontier (Private Print) and
The Voice (public print) were then selected. A quota sample of 25 was drawn from the

13

four media outfits, thus arriving at a sample size of 100 respondents who were strictly
journalists. Demographics were inconsequential for the study.
The second phase of the sampling was the audience. Here, judgmental sampling approach
was applied; consequently, 100 copies of the questionnaire copies were purposively
administered to residents in Makurdi metropolis. In doing so, attention was paid to media
literacy, hence, only those who exhibited media. literacy abilities were sample. The
choice of 100 journalists and 100 audience members was to strike a balance. It should be
noted that respondents who were mistakenly sampled but did not exhibit convincing
media literacy were dropped. This lasted for two months.
Results
Of the 100 copies of the questionnaire administered to journalists, 92 (92%) were returned
and found useful while of the 100 copies administered to the audience 88 (88%) were
returned and found useful. This gave a mean response rate of 90%. The results are hereby
presented in the table below.
Table 1: Audience assessment of media coverage of farmers herdsmen conflict in
north central Nigeria.
Assessment
Lack of investigative reports
Episodic reportage
under reportage

SA
43
39
27

A
34
40
24

D
5
6
20

SD
6
3
17

Total
88
88
88

X
3.2
3.3
3.5

Decision
Accepted
Accepted
Accepted

Bias reports

39

37

88

1.7

Rejected

Sensational reports

31

41

88

1.8

Rejected

Source: field survey, 2014.

14

It should be noted that hence this was a four point scale, the bench mark for accepting or
rejecting a statement was 2.5.
Results from the above table showed that the media audience perceived media coverage
of the conflict as lacking in investigative report, episodic and under reportage. The
audience rejected that statement on bias and sensational reports. To determine the
challenges confronting journalists in the coverage of the conflict, table two was computed.
Table II: Challenges limiting the media from building peace between farmers and
herdsmen.
Assessment

SA

SD

Total

Decision

Poor rural-urban road network

45

38

92

Accepted

Language barrier to communicate with 34

42

11

92

Accepted

farmers & herdsmen.

Lack of mobility

39

39

92

Accepted

Poor incentive

43

38

92

Accepted

Fear

11

10

30

41

92

Rejected

Source: Field survey: 2014

Table II above showed that the factors that limit the media from building peace
between farmers and herdsmen in north central Nigeria are poor rural-urban roads network,
language barrier to effectively communicate with farmers and herdsmen, lack of mobility

15

and incentive. To determine how to create an enabling environment for the media to build
peace between farmers and herdsmen in north central Nigeria, table III was computed.
Table III: How to create an enabling environment for the media to build peace
between farmers and herdsmen in north central Nigeria.
Assessment

SA

SD

Total

Decision

Provision of mobility

44

41

92

3.3

Accepted

Incentives for journalists

38

49

92

3.3

Accepted

Security arrangements for those on 19

45

17

11

92

2.7

Accepted

35

39

10

92

3.0

Accepted

Insurance cover for those covering the 34

39

11

92

3.0

Accepted

investigative journalism
Opening up of feeder roads

conflict
Source: Field survey, 2014.
Table III above showed that for the mass media to effectively perform their peace
building function, media practitioners should be provided with mobility, incentives and
security arrangements should be made for those willing to embark on investigative
reporting. Also, opening up of feeder roads and insurance cover for those reporting the
conflict in the event of the outbreak of conflict.
Discussion of Findings

16

The result of this study showed that media coverage of the farmers herdsmen conflict in
north central was devoid of investigate reports, episodic and the conflict was generally
underreported. The media however, were neither bias nor sensational in their reportage.
This answered the first research question which sought to determine audience assessment
of media coverage of the fracas. The result of this study is consistent with that of Seimo
(2010) who after in an audience perception study documents that the broadcast media did
not effectively perform its surveillance function in the Niger Delta Crisis. Based on the
result of this study, the researcher argues that the dearth of investigative reports among
journalist has negative consequence not only to the pen profession but the entire society.
With regards to episodic report, it is worrisome that the Nigerian media only report conflict
when it is happening and after the conflict, little or no efforts are made to take stock of the
conflict. This is a negative attitude. In this regard, Obijiofor (2008) after a study of media
coverage of the Niger Delta Crisis writes:
If there are no explosions, no abduction no shootings and no killings in
the Niger Delta Cities, the region would most certainly disappear from
the radar of journalists. But the moment a school child is kidnapped in
Port-Harcourt or Warrior, Yenagoa, the media would encircle that city
and cover the event until it loses currency or until another event breaks
out in the region or elsewhere.
The above submission is applicable to the farmer herdsmen conflict in north central
Nigeria. When farmers in north central are suffering as a result of the conflict, the media
do not care to report provided the conflict has been suspended, even if farmers are not in
their villages, it does not attract attention, provided there is no conflict. This attitude by the
media runs contrary to the frequency element of the agenda setting function of the media.

17

With regards to under reportage, what the media report is just a fraction of the
reality on ground. Some parts of the zone affected by the conflict are not reported. The
researcher arrived at this position based on the result of the study (see table I).
The result of the study also showed that the challenges that limit the media from
building peace between farmers and herdsmen are poor rural-urban road network, language
barrier to communicate with farmers and herdsmen, lack of mobility and poor incentive
(see table II). Most of the conflict between farmers and herdsmen take place in rural areas
which lack basic amenities including accessible roads. Lack of these social amenities is in
itself a problem. Ukonu and Wogu (2008, p. 96) corroboratively note Reporting the
achievements of rural residents including amenities therein may discourage young ones
who are intent on running to urban centres. Although the scholars did not mention
coverage of the farmers-herdsmen conflicts, their assertion bear a resemblance with the
result of the study because good and accessible roads are part of those things lacking in
many rural areas in Nigeria and result showed that it limit media practitioners from
effectively covering those areas.
Also, the result of the study showed that for the media to effectively build peace
between farmers and herdsmen, media practitioners should b provided with mobility and
other incentives to encourage to focus attention on the issue. Also, feeder roads should be
constructed, and security arrangement and insurance cover, provided for journalists on a
peace building mission between the two parties. Such arrangements will make journalists
involved to be fully committed with a corresponding improvement in the relationship
between the warning factions.
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Conclusion/Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the researcher concludes that the audience are not
satisfied with media efforts at building peace between farmers and herdsmen in north
central Nigeria. The researcher also concludes that the media inability to live up to its
social responsibility and properly set agenda on the perennial conflict is as a result of some
factors like poor rural-urban roads network, poor incentive, lack of mobility among others.
The researcher equally concludes that the government and the media have to form a
synergy so as to build peace between farmers and herdsmen so that both will see the other
as a partner and not an enemy. This study further makes the following recommendations:

The media should dedicate much effort in investigating grey areas on the farmersherdsmen conflicts in north central Nigeria.

The media should maintain its objectivity and balance reportage of the conflict.

If possible, all media houses should make the farmer-herdsmen as a special beat; hence,
reporters (who must be able to communicate with both parties) should be assigned to the
beat.

The government and media owners should provide special insurance cover for journalists
covering the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

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