Patterns of violent attacks targeting journalists in Lagos, Nigeria
Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research
ISSN: 1759-6599
Article publication date: 2 February 2021
Issue publication date: 19 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the fact that Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy is over two decades, violence targeting journalists still remains a recurring issue. On this basis, this paper aims to examine patterns of violent attacks targeting journalists in Lagos, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. Social disorganisation theory was deployed as theoretical framework. Data were principally elicited through the in-depth interview method. Multistage sampling techniques were used for the selection of 25 journalists across six media organisations in Lagos.
Findings
The results showed that assault on journalists is a common phenomenon in the city, with more cases usually recorded during period of general elections. Three major factors were identified by respondents as underlying violent attacks on journalists. Also, security personnel and political thugs were mentioned as the major perpetrators of violent attacks on journalists.
Originality/value
This research not only provides a unique and significant insight into the issue bordering on violent attacks that are being directed at media practitioners in Nigeria it equally puts forward some useful and far-reaching recommendations that can be adopted to effectively address the problem.
Keywords
Citation
Ujene, I.G. and Ojedokun, U. (2021), "Patterns of violent attacks targeting journalists in Lagos, Nigeria", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 50-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-09-2020-0536
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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