Practice Constructive, Peace Journalism in Reporting Insecurity, Banditry in Nigeria: Catholic Bishop to Journalists

Jos, 31 May, 2025 / 10:30 PM

Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina in Nigeria is calling on media practitioners to practice constructive and peace journalism in reporting insecurity, banditry, and violence in the West African nation.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the Communications Week 2025 (COMWEEK) public lecture that the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) organized, Bishop Musa decried sensationalism in media reporting and the negative effects it triggers.

“Our country is bleeding. Every day, we hear of attacks, kidnappings, killings, and displacement, but we cannot continue to report these incidents in ways that fuel anger, deepen divisions, and incite retaliation. We need a new media culture, one rooted in peace journalism,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said on Wednesday, May 28.

Peace journalism, he explained, “is not about downplaying the facts, but about presenting stories in a manner that humanizes all sides, discourages hate, and proposes solutions.”

“The media has the power to either inflame or douse tensions. In a country as fragile as Nigeria, we need the latter,” Bishop Musa said.

According to the pioneer Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, part of the crisis facing the West African nation today stems from how conflicts are portrayed. “In many reports, especially in mainstream media, conflict narratives are often reduced to ‘us vs. them,’ turning complex issues into simplistic ethnic or religious binaries. This is dangerous,” he warned.

Bishop Musa urged journalists to look deeper into issues, shunning sensational headlines, stereotypes, and reactive reporting.

Alluding to constructive journalism, which shifts from conflict-laden and negatively framed stories to those that highlight the way forward and positive outcomes, he urged media practitioners to “tell the stories of victims and survivors who have suffered because of the activities of the bandits and terrorists and highlight peace initiatives that can help restore hope to them.”

“Bring to light the voices of those working silently to bridge divides. Promote dialogue over division and stop reporting that seems to embolden the bandits and criminals,” the Local Ordinary of Katsina Diocese said.

He went on to challenge those at the helm of media entities to invest in training their personnel on the principles and ethics of responsible journalism, fostering constructive and peace framing of events.  

“Peace journalism is not just about language; it’s a mindset. It’s a commitment to national healing. It is about helping people see that violence is not the only way to resolve grievances,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader also appealed to the government and civil society to support media organizations in peace-building efforts through funding, training, and protection. 

“We must see the media as a partner in the fight against insecurity. Journalists can serve as early warning agents, peace educators, and advocates for justice—if they are empowered and protected,” Bishop Musa told ACI Africa.

In another interview with ACI Africa during the May 28 event that CSN organized, the Secretary General of the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Fr. Michael Banjo, reflected on what he described as the increasing moral decay evident across various sectors of Nigerian society, including schools and homes. 

“Corruption is everywhere. Not only in government settings but everywhere, even in primary and secondary schools. There’s a culture of death, abortion, and immorality. We now pride ourselves on shows like Big Brother Naija, which should not be promoted because it features immorality on live television, and our children are watching it on a daily basis,” Fr. Banjo lamented.

The member of the Clergy of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Ijebu Ode further expressed concern about the rise in drug abuse among Nigerian youths. 

“Universities have become centres of this terrible behaviour,” he said, and urged the media to help drive reformation by showcasing values that promote the dignity of the human person.

Referring to the theme of the World Communication Day 2025 (WCD), “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts”, Fr. Banjo emphasized the importance of the media rooted in truth,

“To be gentle doesn't mean compromising the truth. The word gentleness is rooted in nobility. Tell the truth, but don’t destroy the human person. Condemn the act, not the individual,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

He also challenged content creators to resist the pressure to produce sensational and immoral content just to gain attention. “We need more people in the media to push out positive content to counteract the overwhelming negativity,” Fr. Banjo told ACI Africa during the May 28 interview.

He called for a return to foundational values and conscience formation, saying, “If we can form consciences, all this evil will gravely diminish. Maybe not be eradicated, but it will be significantly reduced.”