Project Abstract

Abstract
The issue of Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria has been a subject of significant concern due to the escalating violence and its impact on the affected communities. This research project focuses on evaluating the newspaper coverage of Fulani herdsmen attacks in selected Nigerian newspapers. The study aims to analyze the extent of media representation, framing, and bias in the reporting of these attacks by examining articles published in major newspapers over a specific period. Using a content analysis approach, the research will examine how the selected newspapers have portrayed the Fulani herdsmen attacks in terms of language used, portrayal of victims and perpetrators, and overall framing of the issue. By comparing the coverage across different newspapers, the study seeks to identify any patterns or discrepancies in the reporting, which may reveal underlying biases or agendas. Furthermore, the research will assess the role of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of the Fulani herdsmen attacks. By analyzing the tone and content of newspaper articles, the study aims to determine whether the coverage has been objective, sensationalized, or skewed in any particular direction. Understanding the media's influence on public opinion is crucial in examining the broader societal implications of the Fulani herdsmen attacks and the potential for conflict resolution. The findings of this research project will provide valuable insights into the media representation of Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria and contribute to ongoing discussions on media ethics, bias, and responsibility. By shedding light on how the issue is portrayed in the press, the study aims to enhance media transparency and accountability while also highlighting the importance of balanced and accurate reporting in sensitive and conflict-prone situations. Ultimately, this research project seeks to bridge the gap between media coverage and public understanding of the Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria. By critically evaluating the portrayal of these attacks in selected newspapers, the study aims to raise awareness about the role of the media in shaping narratives around conflict and violence, and promote a more informed and nuanced discourse on this pressing issue.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

The Fula people also known as Fulani in Hausa language, are a mass population widely dispersed and culturally diverse in all of Africa, but most predominant in West Africa. The Fulani’s generally speak the Fula language. A significant number of them are nomadic in nature, herding cattle, goats and sheep across the vast dry grass lands of their environment, keeping isolate from the local farming communities, making them the world’s largest pastoral nomadic group (Eyekpimi, 2016). They are massively spread over many countries, and are found mainly in West Africa and northern parts of Central Africa, but also in Sudan and Egypt. The main Fulani sub-groups in Nigeria are: Fulbe Adamawa, Fulbe Mbororo, Fulbe Sokoto, Fulbe Gombe, and the Fulbe Borgu (Eyekpimi, 2016).

Nigeria as a nation state is under a severe internal socio-economic and security threat. At a more general level, the threat has special economic, political and environmental dimensions. Each of these dimensions has greatly affected the nation’s stability and can be traced to the Fulani-herdsmen and farmers clash, ethnic militant armies, ethnic and religious conflicts, poverty, insurgency, armed robbery, corruption, economic sabotage and environmental degradation (Damba, 2007).

Fulani Herdsmen’s activities have been escalating steadily in Nigeria; the killings going on in Benue earlier this year being the most recent indicator of the group’s growing threat to Nigeria’s political stability. Indeed, the group is viewed by many experts as a direct challenge the state’s corrupt nature and its general inability to address the expanding economic North-South disparity within Nigeria.