Mass Media as a Tool to Stem Insurgency Tide in the Country (Case Study Nigeria)
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To examine the role of mass media in creating awareness and educating the public on the dangers of insurgency and the need to support counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria.
- To investigate the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in changing public perception towards insurgency and promoting peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.
- To identify the challenges and limitations of using mass media as a tool for stemming insurgency in Nigeria.
- To explore the strategies and approaches used by media practitioners in reporting and covering insurgency-related events in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
MEANING AND DEFINITION OF TERRORISM
Terrorism has been defined in many different terms, but it is generally believed that it is an international attempt to inflict fear, trepidation and hopelessness on citizens of other nations while those who engage in the act of terrorism are usually disgruntic people.
According to Lai Oso (2002:1), “the way and manner in which development is conceived has over the years had an over-bearing impact on how we in turn conceive communication, how to use it and direction to other social institutions and processes, especially the process of social change” therefore, an attitude to terrorism takes us back to media studies on media effect.
Terrorism, according to oxford advanced leaner’s dictionary, is the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or force a government to act. Terrorism is a gradational issue. It may start in form of protest. The protest can be initially peaceful or violent against injustices or perceived injustices against a group or section of the society. This violence could degenerate to destruction of not only property but human lives, and finally snowball into total terrorism. Therefore, terrorism is an advanced violent action employ by a person or a group of persons to fo To Hoffman (2003:118) terrorism, as the case may be, maybe seen as a violent act that is conceived specifically to attract attention and then, through the publicity it generates to communicate a message.
Terrorism is a controversial concept like any other social sciences concept.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TERRORISM
Terrorism is a concept that fluid and largely subject to arguments which are capable of generating emotional exchanges due to differing perspective and divergent understanding and position. It has been a global phenomenon, particularly is the Nigerian state with the emergence of group such as the Niger Delta ethics militant in the South-South, Odua people’s congress (OPC) in the South-West, Bakass Boys and movement for the sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) in the South-East that it is approach is to unleash force to maintain order.
The concept of terrorism has undergone Kaieido scopic trends over the years as one of leaders of the united 12 army once realistically explained violent actions. Are shocking. We want to shock people, everywhere. It is our way of communication with the people.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine a mass media as a tool to stem insurgency tide in the country. A case study of Nigeria. Borno state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain a mass media as a tool to stem insurgency tide in the country. A case study of Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing an mass media as a tool to stem insurgency tide in the country
Summary
This study was on mass media as a tool to stem insurgency tide in the country. A case study of Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine the role of mass media in creating awareness and educating the public on the dangers of insurgency and the need to support counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria, to investigate the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in changing public perception towards insurgency and promoting peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria, to identify the challenges and limitations of using mass media as a tool for stemming insurgency in Nigeria and to explore the strategies and approaches used by media practitioners in reporting and covering insurgency-related events in Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Borno state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mass media is a powerful tool that can be used to stem insurgency tide in Nigeria. With the widespread use of social media, radio, television, and print media, the government and security agencies can leverage these platforms to spread accurate and timely information, mobilize public support against insurgency, and create awareness about the dangers of terrorism.
Additionally, the mass media can be used to promote peace, unity, and tolerance among different ethnic and religious groups in the country. This can be achieved by featuring programs that highlight the similarities and shared values among Nigerians, and by debunking myths and stereotypes that fuel inter-ethnic and religious tensions.
However, the success of the mass media in stemming insurgency tide in Nigeria will depend on the government’s commitment to press freedom, independent journalism, and responsible media reporting. Furthermore, the media must be adequately resourced, trained, and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.
In conclusion, while the mass media can be a powerful tool to stem insurgency tide in Nigeria, it is important to note that it cannot single-handedly solve the problem. A comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, civil society, and the media, is needed to address the root causes of insurgency in Nigeria and achieve lasting peace and stability.
Recommendation
Public Awareness Campaigns:
The mass media can be used to educate and sensitize the public about the dangers of insurgency. The media can use various platforms such as TV, radio, and social media to inform people about the negative effects of insurgency on the country’s economy, social life, and security. Public awareness campaigns can also highlight the need for cooperation and support for the government’s efforts in fighting insurgency.
Promoting National Unity:
The media can promote national unity by emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. By doing this, the media can help to prevent religious and ethnic conflicts, which are often exploited by insurgent groups. The media can also use its platforms to promote peacebuilding efforts and showcase examples of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups.
Reporting Accurately:
The media should ensure accurate reporting of events related to insurgency. They should not sensationalize news about insurgent activities but instead report objectively and provide balanced coverage of the issues. This will help to prevent the spread of false information, which can cause panic and undermine security efforts.
Collaborating with Security Agencies:
The media can collaborate with security agencies to gather and disseminate information about insurgent activities. This can include reporting suspicious activities and providing tips on how to identify and prevent insurgent attacks. Collaboration with security agencies can also help the media to gain access to information that can help to educate the public about the dangers of insurgency.
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