By Buhari Abubakar Hussaini
Banditry has become “organic” in some affected communities, with certain residents benefiting from the criminal activities through the provision of information, food and other forms of support to bandits, the National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, has said.
Prof. Baba made the statement while presenting a paper titled “Narrative Framing and Conflict-Sensitive Reporting” at a conflict-sensitivity training organised by International Alert Nigeria, with funding from the European Union.
He said some people in affected communities provide food and information to bandits because the criminals often pay more than other members of the community, making the situation more complex and difficult to address.
Prof. Baba urged media practitioners to be curious, vigilant and responsible when reporting sensitive issues, stressing that careless reporting could worsen conflicts instead of promoting peace.
He also cautioned journalists and social media influencers ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying they must carefully verify information before publishing or sharing it, as a single post could trigger violence, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
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Earlier, the Project Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sanusi Audu, said the training was designed to promote responsible journalism, strengthen collaboration between traditional and new media practitioners, and encourage reporting that contributes to peace and development.
Speaking at the event, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, urged media practitioners to make good use of the training to promote peace in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The Publicity Secretary of the National Council of Ulama, Sokoto State chapter, Sidi A. Sidi, said Islam requires Muslims to verify information before accepting or sharing it. He added that positive and responsible media reports could help prevent local crises and support effective conflict management.
The two-day training, which began on August 18, is attended by about 140 journalists and social media influencers from across Sokoto State.
The programme is implemented by International Alert Nigeria in collaboration with Action Against Hunger, Save the Children Initiative and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.
