Weak Crisis Communication Fuels Communal Violence in N/Central — Oluwatobi

Weak government crisis-communication systems are playing a major role in the persistence of communal violence in Nigeria’s North Central region, according to a new doctoral study that calls for stronger coordination, early-response mechanisms and inclusive peacebuilding strategies. The findings are contained in a doctoral thesis by Oluwatobi Enitan Modeyin, a PhD graduate of Glorious Vision […]

Weak government crisis-communication systems are playing a major role in the persistence of communal violence in Nigeria’s North Central region, according to a new doctoral study that calls for stronger coordination, early-response mechanisms and inclusive peacebuilding strategies.

The findings are contained in a doctoral thesis by Oluwatobi Enitan Modeyin, a PhD graduate of Glorious Vision University, who said ineffective communication has continued to undermine efforts to resolve long-running communal conflicts in the region.

In a statement on the research, Dr. Modeyin said deliberate, inclusive and well-coordinated government communication strategies are critical to achieving sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.

Her thesis, Assessment of Government Crisis Communication Strategies for Communal Conflict Mediation in North Central Nigeria, examined how government messaging, engagement patterns and response timing influence peacebuilding outcomes.

The study found that poor stakeholder engagement, delayed interventions and weak implementation of reconciliation agreements have consistently weakened conflict-resolution efforts.

It recommended structured collaboration involving government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, women and youth groups, civil society organisations and security agencies to address the underlying causes of recurring violence.

“The scale and frequency of conflicts in North Central Nigeria make it imperative for government to move beyond unilateral actions,” Modeyin said. “Wide consultations, sustained dialogue and open communication are essential if peace efforts are to succeed.”

The research also underscored the importance of community ownership of peace initiatives, noting that public education programmes could help communities better understand the social and economic costs of prolonged conflict.

“Peace is not imposed; it is built. The people must be deliberately educated to recognise the value of harmony and the dangers of sustained violence,” she said.

According to the study, mediation efforts rooted in community relations produced more durable outcomes than strictly top-down approaches, as they helped build trust and local legitimacy.

“The evidence shows that when mediation efforts are rooted in community relations, trust is built faster and resolutions are more sustainable,” Modeyin added.

The thesis further identified delayed responses to early warning signs as a recurring factor in the escalation of disputes, calling for the establishment of coordinated early-response systems, consistent enforcement of mediation outcomes and accountability measures for breaches of peace agreements.