Media and Conflict Reporting in Multicultural Nigeria
Main Article Content
Abstract
Nigeria’s multicultural landscape is both vibrant and prone to conflict. With over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religious traditions, the way the media report conflicts significantly influence public perception and social cohesion. This paper examines how Nigerian media report conflicts within diverse social contexts, focusing on reporting styles, ethical dilemmas, and their implications for peacebuilding. Through qualitative analysis of ethno-religious violence, misinformation on social media, and protest coverage, the study explores the strengths and weaknesses of conflict reporting in Nigeria. Grounded in Framing Theory and Peace Journalism Theory, the findings indicate that while some media outlets attempt to uphold professional and ethical standards, others unintentionally intensify social divisions through biased language and sensational reporting. The paper concludes with recommendations for conflict-sensitive journalism that promotes social harmony and strengthens democratic values in Nigeria.
Article Details
How to Cite
Muhammad, A. N. (2026). Media and Conflict Reporting in Multicultural Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 6(4), 248-258. Retrieved from https://mail.biarjournal.com/index.php/lakhomi/article/view/1470
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Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023b). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Adeleke, T. (2019). Media ethics and conflict reporting in Nigeria. University of Lagos Press.
Akinfeleye, R. A. (2003). The media and democratic culture in Africa. African Media Review, 11(2), 1–24.
Al Jazeera. (2020). Nigeria protests: Calls grow for police reform after shootings. https://www.aljazeera.com
Amuwo, K. (2016). Ethnicity and the media in Nigeria: A critical discursive analysis. Nigerian Journal of Media and Communication, 8(1), 45–66.
Aondover, E. M., & Akin-Odukoya, O. (2024). Trends and Dynamics of Popular Culture and Media Messages on Public Transport Literature in Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(3), 183-195.
Aondover, E. M., & Obasi, M. (2025). Identity and the Narratives of Conflict in Nigerian Media. In Media, Conflicts and the National Security Question: Communicating (In) security in Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel (pp. 315-334). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Aondover, E. M., Aondover, P. O., & Maiwada, A. A. (2025). Reconfiguration of Media Communication in the Age of AI and Inequality. Feedback International Journal of Communication, 2(3), 194-204.
Aondover, E. M., Aondover, P. O., Adewale, O. C., Falobi, F., & Maiwada, A. A. (2024). Contextual Issues Surrounding Investigative Journalism in Nigeria. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(4), 226-239.
Aondover, P. O., Aondover, E. M., & Babele, A. M. (2022). Two nations, same technology, different outcomes: Analysis of technology application in Africa and America. Journal of Educational Research and Review, 1(1), 001-008.
BBC News. (2020). Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests: What happened and why? https://www.bbc.com/news
Channels Television. (2020). Nigerians take #EndSARS protest to police headquarters, other states. https://www.channelstv.com
Channels Television. (2022). Security forces launch operations against bandits in Northwest Nigeria. https://www.channelstv.com
Daily Trust. (2021). Banditry: Northwest residents demand urgent government intervention. https://dailytrust.com
Daily Trust. (2021). Plateau killings spark fresh concerns over communal conflicts. https://dailytrust.com
Dunu, I. (2017). Conflict reporting and national cohesion in Nigeria. Journal of Nigerian Communication Studies, 12(4), 89–105.
Ekundayo, J. (2015). Reporting ethno-religious conflict in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. African Journal of Communication and Society, 7(1), 77–95.
Garba, S., & Msaughter, A. E. (2023a). Newspaper Content Analysis of 2012-2015 Ombaste Ethnic Conflict in Nasarawa State: A Framing Theory Perspective. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10 (2), 69-77.
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023b). Beyond the framing process: An X-ray of newspaper reportage of conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 41(2).
Jibo, M., & Okoosi-Simbine, A. (2003). Ethnic conflict and the media in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Communication Studies, 5(1), 12–24.
Lynch, J., & McGoldrick, A. (2005). Peace journalism. Hawthorn Press.
Mojaye, E. M., & Aondover, E. M. (2022). Theoretical perspectives in world information systems: A propositional appraisal of new media-communication imperatives. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14(1), 100-106.
Nwosu, I. E. (2014). The practice of journalism in Nigeria. Communication Research Publications.
Okoro, E. (2020). Social media, misinformation, and conflict reporting in Nigeria. Journal of Digital Media in Africa, 3(2), 99–118.
Okunade, J. K., Amaechi, D. O., Olopha, A., & Aondover, E. M. (2025). Media Silence on Suicide in Nigeria's News Coverage. Feedback International Journal of Communication, 2(2), 86-96.
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, E. M., Adewale, O. C., Akin-Odukoya, O. O., & Chime-Nganya, C. R. (2025). Global Terrorism and Media Reportage of Boko Haram Cases in the 21st Century. SIASAT, 10(1), 71-83.
Oso, L. (2012). Media and democracy in Nigeria. Journal of African Media Studies, 4(3), 205–223.
Premium Times. (2020). CNN, BBC coverage of #EndSARS protest disgusting - Buhari. https://www.premiumtimesng.com
Premium Times. (2022). Banditry crisis escalates in Zamfara as communities flee attacks. https://www.premiumtimesng.com
Sahara Reporters. (2020). #EndSARS: CNN releases second report on Lekki shootings. https://saharareporters.com
Sahara Reporters. (2020). Nigerian youths protest police brutality in nationwide demonstrations. https://saharareporters.com
The Guardian Nigeria. (2019). Ethno-religious tensions rise in Kaduna communities. https://guardian.ng
The Guardian Nigeria. (2021). Communal clashes threaten peace in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. https://guardian.ng
The Sun Nigeria. (2021). Benue expresses concern over new influx of Fulani herdsmen, cattle. https://www.sunnewsonline.com
Vanguard Newspaper. (2018). Herdsmen attacks: We’re still haunted by fear, cannot return to farms - Benue farmers. https://www.vanguardngr.com
Vanguard Newspaper. (2022). Farmer-herder clashes worsen food security fears in Nigeria. https://www.vanguardngr.com
Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing Digital Divide and Implications in Nigeria: The Media Dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 1-12.
Vitalis, P. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Okuneye, A. P. (2023). Understanding advertising in the era of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1), 502-502.
World Bank. (2020). Nigeria: Conflict dynamics and media influence (Policy paper). World Bank Publications.
Yar’Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace Journalism and Development: An Appraisal of Boko Haram Insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023a). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023b). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.