CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Communal clashes have over the year a common phenomenon in
the third world and developing nations of the world which Nigeria is inclusive,
these are caused by ethnicity, religion differences, tribal, land dispute and
boundary adjustment. Ethnicity refers to a group of people with a common
socio/cultural identity such as language, common worldview, religion and common
cultural traits (Boaten, 2000).
Thus ethnic groups are social formations distinguished by the
communal character (such as language and culture) of their boundaries (Nnoli,
1980). In other words, ethnic groups represent categories of people
characterized by cultural symbols including language, value systems and
normative behaviour, and whose members are anchored in a particular territory
(Otite, 1990). Actually, the word ethnic is derived from the Greek word ethnos
which means a group of people who share a common and distinctive culture.
In its classical meaning, ethnic relates to a member of a particular
ethnos (Imobighe, 2003). Hence ethnicity according to Imobighe should be seen
as the feeling of belonging to a distinctive cultural or linguistic group, or a
manifestation of ethnic consciousness in relation to other groups. Conflicts
arise from the pursuit of divergent interests, goals and aspirations by
individuals and or groups in defined social and physical environments (Otite,
1999). As observed in the literature, ethnic conflict derives their rationale
and configuration from perceived socio/cultural differences.
In fact, Otite (1990) presents a picture of ethnicity as
the contextual discrimination by embers of one group against others on the
basis of differentiated system of socio-cultural symbols. He affirms that
ethnicity has the properties of common group consciousness and identity and
also group exclusiveness on the basis of which social discriminations are made.
This in most case as Nigerian experience have shown resulted to violent
intractable conflicts.
1.2 Statement Problem
This study examines the role of mass media in crisis
resolution with a particular reference to Ife-Modakeke.
Research on communal crisis and media role is usually
difficult if not impossible. This study is examining the true role expected of
mass media in crisis resolution.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1. To examine causes of
communal crisis in Nigeria?
2. To know how effective are
mass media in the coverage of Ife—Modakeke
communal crisis?
3. To know some of the
challenge rendering mass media weak in coverage of
Ife-Modakeke communal crisis
4. To examine the role of mass
media in cubing Ife-Modakeke communal
crisis?
5. To examine the negative
effect of Ife- Modakeke crisis on the both side?
6. What is the attitude of
people towards violence, conflicts and use of
weapons during Ife-Modakeke?
7. How has mass media enhanced
relationship between the people of the two
communities?
1.4 Research Questions
1. What is the major cause of communal crisis in Nigeria?
2. How effective are mass media in the coverage of Ife-Modakeke
communal crisis?
3. Is there any challenge rendered mass media weak in the coverage
of Ife- Modakeke communal crisis?
4. Does mass media assist in cubing Ife-Modakeke communal crisis?
5. Is there any negative effect of Ife- Modakeke crisis on the
both side?
6. What is the attitude of people towards violence, conflicts and
use of weapons during
Ife-Modakeke?
7. How has mass media enhanced relationship between the people of
the two communities?
1.5 Scope of the Study.
The scope of this study resides in the topic of the
research work, the scope of the study will be limited to Ife- Modakeke communal
clash. Since it is not possible to cover all clashes that have occurred in Nigeria.
However, Despite the limitations, the result of the research will be
generalized.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will beneficial to
media practitioners as well as mass communication students to know some of the
challenges and role of mass media in crisis management.
The research will be of benefit to the government to
learning from public opinion of the respondents on strategies they need to
employ in cubing communal clashes d to know the pains that people are passing
through.
Academically, the study will form an extension of knowledge
to the academic study for future researchers.
This will also help other researchers to further
investigate to other aspect this research might not be able to cover.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Role: This is the function or
responsibilities expected of mass media (Nigeria Tribune and National
Television Authority) to play in wagging war again terrorism.
Mass
Media: These
are means of communicating to large, scatter and heterogeneous audience used in
wagging war against terrorism in Nigeria.
Crisis: This is the state of disorderliness
that engulfed the nation Nigeria
after 2011 general election
Resolution: This is media step in bringing
peace into the country when violence erupted as a result of announcement of
2011 presidential election result.
