The Kaduna State Peace Commission (KAPECOM) and Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) have enjoined journalists to be objective on conflict and sensitive stories with a view to enhancing peaceful coexistence in the state.
The leadership of the state peace commission also urged media executives and journalists to shun any reportage that would trigger conflicts in the state and country.
A communiqué issued 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 stated that attempt should be made not to impede on the rights of the media on the happenings but should ensure that the reports do not further destabilize any segment of the society or led to reprisal attacks.
It stated that the media has a major role to play of downplaying conflicts reports so that peace could 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.
It emphasized the need for interreligious and intercultural harmony, saying that there is the need to consider each other as brother’s keepers for peace, unity, and development in the state.
The communique noted, “There is an urgent need for the authorities concerned in Kaduna and the country at large to regulate the activities of the social media as they have exaggerated 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 regards insecurity and conflicts.
It appreciated the successful operations of 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 the urgent need to do more in securing the state.
The participants 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 to curb the current trend.
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 models of peace in the state.
