KAPECOM, IMC Task Media Practitioners On Peace Journalism

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA- The Kaduna State Peace Commission, (KAPECOM) and Interfaith Mediation Centre,( IMC) have tasked Kaduna Journalists on the need for conflict sensitive journalism to enhance peaceful coexistence in the state.

The forum being the first of its kind at that level with the leadership of Kaduna peace commission urged media executives and Journalists to shun any reportage that will trigger conflicts in the State and country.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by the Co-executive of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Pastor Dr James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and the Executive Vice Chairman Kaduna State Peace Commission Dr. Sale Momale at the end of the Monthly Forum with Media on Peace Journalism held on Friday at the Kapecom’s office in Kaduna.

The forum in an attempt not to impede on the rights of the media to report happenings said “they are not asking the media practitioners not to report events as they occurred but they should ensure that the reports does not further destabilize any segment of the society or led to reprisal attacks.”

Adding that, the Media have a role of down playing conflicts reports so that peace should reign in the State.

The participants further called on the Kaduna State Peace Commission to organize bi-annual training for editors and reporters on Peace Journalism, so as to continue to enjoy peaceful coexistence in the State.

While emphasizing the need for interreligious and intercultural harmony Kaduna state the forum want or hope to see Kaduna citizens ” considering each other as his or her brothers keepers so as to have development in the State.

” There is urgent need for the authorities concerned in Kaduna and the country at large to regulate the activities of the social media as they have exaggerate conflicts in their reportage in the country.

The Commission pledged to work with the media practitioners in the state, especially in ending the problems in the state as regard to the insecurity and conflicts.

While appreciating the successful operations of the the military and security agencies most especially in the North West, the participants lamented the danger and havoc caused by fleeing bandits from other neighbouring States to Kaduna, with a need to do more

The duo further frowned at the new strategy used by criminals in kidnapping people in their various communities and the need for people to be organized and vigilant.

Speakers and participants further urged media practitioners in the state to engage peace models in communities so as to continue to use their positive interventions as model of peace in the State.