ABSTRACT
The
spate of Ethno-Religious conflict in Nigeria is becoming a permanent
problem and measures to curb it are proving abortive. This dissertation,
using the Conflict Trap Theory and the Mass Media and Modernization
Approach, argued that protracted communication stimulated the
ethno-religious conflicts in Jos. This thesis entitled, "Participatory
Communication and Conflict Resolution: An Examination of the 2008 and
2010 Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Jos" explored the role of
participatory communication in resolving and minimizing the insistent
ethno-religious conflicts confronting the people of Jos, Plateau state
and Nigeria. Methodologically, the study utilized both primary and
secondary sources of data which included books, periodicals, internet
sources and other unpublished materials. Significantly, the study found
out that communication is two-edged; the way it has been used in Jos has
caused more distrust, fear and disunity more than the way it has united
the people. However, acting upon any information is largely dependent
on what is understood and the content or message of what is shared.
Hence, communication becomes an important tool in suing for development
and, or, peace-building. The study went ahead to make some
recommendations some of which are that the constitution as regards
indigenes and citizenship should be reviewed and also that
professionalism is important when reporting or dealing with information
on conflicts.