The National Broadcasting Commission has warned television and radio stations against broadcasting divisive contents about Fulani herdsmen in certain areas in the South-West.
The warning is stated in a letter titled, ‘Broadcast of Crisis Involving Herdsmen, Caution’, dated January 26, 2021, sent to broadcasters nationwide.
“The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to bring to your attention to emerging trends of national concern like the herdsmen crisis in Ondo and Oyo states and related issues which could spiral out of proportion if not properly handled.
“The commission, therefore, seizes this opportunity to admonish broadcasters on the need to exhibit professionalism and observe required caution in the coverage and presentation of the quit notice to herdsmen and related issues.” It reads.
The warning came after a Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, in Oyo State issued a quit notice to Fulani herdsmen.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had also asked herdsmen in the state to leave all forest reserves within a week.
The NBC, which is the regulator of the broadcast media, said there was a need for stations to maintain professionalism.