PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF THE HERDER-FARMER CONFLICTS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON NATIONAL SECURITY: A STUDY OF PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Abstract

This study, “Public Perception of Newspaper Coverage of the Herder-Farmer Conflicts and its Influence on National Security: A Study of Punch Newspaper” evaluates the media as a major player during periods of conflict and its influence on the public understanding and perception of conflict situations. The agenda the media sets and how they are reported can also impact on the direction or outcome of such issues. The aim of this study was to examine the extent and patterns of coverage of the herder farmer conflicts by Punch Newspaper in Nigeria. The agenda setting theory and individual difference theory formed the theoretical foundation to the study. Findings revealed that Punch Newspaper accords much importance to issues on farmers-herders conflict. The research method adopted for this study was survey method using simple random technique. The study was concluded that, Punch Newspaper played some part in the mitigation of the herders-farmers conflict and performing their watchdog role in the society. The study recommended among other things the urgent intervention by the government so as to address the root and situational causes of the conflict.