SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON HERDERS AND FARMERS CRISES AND INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS IN BENUE STATE
Matilda Sase; Anwam Smart Tarnaha & Terfa Igbe
Department of Mass Communication; Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Department of Mass Communication; University of Mkar, Mkar Benue State, Nigeria
Email: msase@bsum.edu.ng,asakismart@gmail.com,tigbe@bsum.edu.ng,
ABSTRACT
This study assessed social media campaign on herders and farmers crises and inter-ethnic relations. This study was anchored on the Frustration-Aggression Theory. The study was based on the survey research method, while questionnaire served as instrument of data collection. The population of the study was 407,000 adult male and female residents in Makurdi metropolis. The sample size was 384 respondents. The study found among others that the social media campaigns have shaped ethnic consciousness among the Benue public by recognizing that Fulani herders are foreigners and invaders, that herders are historical enemies to crop farmers, that herders have an Islamic agenda, and that herders are protected by the central government. The study concluded that the social media campaigns have shaped ethnic consciousness among the Benue public and this has affected inter-ethnic relations among Benue people as the social media messages on herders’ attacks have enhanced ethnic identity among Benue people, making people become weary of Fulani herders, did not trust herders and believed that herders are violent occupiers. The study therefore recommended among others that the atmosphere between farming and pastoral communities is extremely bitter and negative. Support should be provided for creative social media campaigns, radio and television to create new narratives showing how the interaction between the two groups could be peaceful and mutually beneficial.
Keywords: Social Media Campaign, Herders and Farmers Crises, Inter-Ethnic Relations
