International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: While conventional news reporting primarily informs the public about events, journalism also has the potential to facilitate conflict de-escalation and promote peacebuilding. Against this background, this study examines journalists’ knowledge and application of peace journalism principles in reporting secessionist agitation in South-East Nigeria.
Objective: The study assesses journalists’ knowledge and application of peace journalism principles in reporting the secessionist agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), examines their perceived contribution to tension reduction, and identifies strategies for strengthening peace-oriented reporting.
Method: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to journalists across the five South-East states. Of the 400 questionnaires distributed through proportionate stratified random sampling, 389 were retrieved. Data were analysed using weighted arithmetic means based on a five-point Likert scale. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored in Peace Journalism Theory and Social Responsibility Theory. Results: The findings revealed that 94% of the journalists demonstrated knowledge of peace journalism principles, while 75% reported applying them frequently when covering secessionist agitation. Despite this knowledge–application gap, respondents perceived practices such as objective reporting, avoidance of inflammatory language, conflict-sensitive reporting, and contextual reporting as contributing to conflict de-escalation.
Unique Contribution: The study provides empirical insights into journalists’ knowledge and application of peace journalism principles in reporting secessionist agitation. It also offers evidence-based recommendations for journalism education, media policy, and professional practice in Nigeria. Recommendations: Media stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Press Council (NPC), and civil society organisations, should organise continuous training, strengthen ethical monitoring, and establish clear guidelines for peace journalism. Journalists should prioritise objectivity, fairness, non-inflammatory language, and diverse perspectives, including the voices of non-elite civilians. Tertiary institutions should also integrate peace journalism into journalism curricula.