Media Role in Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Coexistence in Indigenous Communities

Conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in the use of agricultural land are becoming fiercer and increasingly widespread in Nigeria, largely due to ‘intensification and extensification’ of production activities that are necessitated by increasing human population. The media in this context have become a highly prized strategic resource to all social groups, especially indigenous communities in a conflict situation. Within this context, this paper examines the role of the mass media in conflict resolution and promoting peaceful coexistence in indigenous communities. Secondary data were obtained through a critical review of related literature and documents. The paper adopts the Cultural Theory of conflict to analyse and explain the way that the media plays a role in resolving conflicts between farmers and herders in North-Central and North-East Nigeria. The findings indicate that the media plays a crucial role in conflict resolution between indigenous communities in the country. The paper discovered that ethnic plurality among other things is responsible for increase in ethno-religious conflict in indigenous communities. These crises have led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties across various communities in Nigeria. Notable among such conflicts is the recurring herders-farmers’ clashes in North-Central and North East Nigeria with brutal attacks and reprisal attacks in villages in Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau and Taraba States. Efforts to manage the conflicts have largely focused on the mediation, payment of compensations and creation of grazing reserves or cattle colonies in some states of the federation. The paper concludes that without the mass media, the conflict will intrude less significantly into our consciousness and the way people see conflict depends a lot on how it is presented to people by the news media.