IMC caution Journalists on stories capable of inciting violent conflicts

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By: Mayen Etim

KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – Interfaith Mediation Centre, (IMC) has called on Journalists, religious leaders, and other citizens to always be mindful of their utterances on issues that could lead to violent conflicts in the country.

A communique issued after it’s monthly Forum with Media on Peace Journalism under the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace, (CIPP) project, said comments in the public domain that could trigger violent conflicts surrounding the increased activities of bandits in Nigeria, is generating tension in the country,  especially the increased in insecurity bedeviling the land.

An overview of the month of February 2021, participants observed that  statements that could trigger violence and disunity should be avoided in order not to endangered the lives of citizens.

Citing wrong figures reported in some media of Fulani migration from southern part of the country to Ladduga community in Southern Kaduna at the wake of the quit notice, participants urged media practioners in the country to ensure they cross check their facts before going to press especially on issues that has to with security.

Participants while calling on the general public to disregard comments that could lead to violence in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole, were alarmed over increased in kidnappings and killings of citizens in some part of the country which inverably left more women aswidows and orphans, as well as economic hardship in the country.

Participants also noted that due to redeployment of heavy security personals along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, kidnappers/bandits along the route have now moved to the Southern part of Kaduna, terrorizing communities in the region.

They observed that insecurity has led to mass exodus of people from affected communities to the urban centres for safety; and farmers in affected communities, abandon their farmlands. This might lead to food crises and increased in manultrition in the region and other parts of the country.

The participants commended the threat  by some politicians especially in North, directing  their supporters to reserve their weapons to defend themselves ahead of the 2023 general elections, and we see this as a big threat to peace and stability of the country.

Participants were also worried over attacks on schools in the North,  saying the menace has caused a major set back on educational development in the region.

They appealed to State governments to provide security for the students and teachers in both public and private institutions.

They also appealed to religious leaders in the country to always preach on the need for peaceful co-existence amongst their followers, so that we will have a conducive environment for all Nigerians.

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