James Mannok, Media Specialist and former Director of Press to the Plateau State Governor, has emphasised the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting in mitigating tensions and promoting social cohesion.
Mannok made the call while presenting a paper titled “Deepening Skills on Conflict Sensitive Reporting” during a one-day training organised for media organisations in Gombe. The training was part of the Faith for Peace (F4P) project, co-funded by the European Union and Bread for the World.
Our correspondent reports that the F4P project is implemented in Gombe State by the TEKAN Peace Desk.
Speaking during the session, Mannok said conflict-sensitive reporting requires more than just strong journalistic instincts.
“It calls for a blend of technical, ethical, and interpersonal skills that help journalists navigate volatile environments and tell stories that foster understanding rather than division,” he said.
He advised journalists to focus on the actions of individuals involved in a conflict rather than their identity or background.
“Instead of saying ‘Fulani herdsmen attacked,’ consider ‘Individuals identified as herdsmen attacked…’ or ‘An armed group attacked…’ and then describe their actions without making assumptions about their entire ethnic group,” he said.
Mannok further warned against generalisations and sweeping statements.
“Be precise in your language. Use qualifiers like ‘some,’ ‘a few,’ ‘alleged,’ or ‘reportedly’ when referring to actions that may not represent an entire group. Do not attribute collective blame to an entire ethnic, religious, or regional group for the actions of a few,” he cautioned.
Also speaking at the training, Hauwa Musa delivered a presentation on “Overview of Conflict-Sensitive Reportage: Gender Approaches to Covering Conflict.”
She highlighted various conflict resolution processes that journalists and media professionals should be familiar with. These, according to her, include dialogue, negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, problem-solving, restorative justice, and arbitration.
Earlier in her remarks, the coordinator of the TEKAN Peace Desk in Gombe, Mrs. Helen Philemon Haggai, said the organisation, with support from partners, has continued to carry out interventions in conflict-prone communities such as Billiri, Kalmai, Deba, Kunuwal, Malam Sidi, and Kwami.
While urging journalists to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting, she said the organisation’s work goes beyond advocacy and includes economic empowerment of local residents.
“Aside from promoting the observance of human rights, we have trained and empowered community members with start-up kits in tailoring, carpentry, welding, barbing, hairdressing, knitting, cosmetology, make-up, plumbing, and POP crafts,” she said.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the event brought together journalists from various media outlets in the state and offered practical tools for promoting peace and responsible journalism.
