Journalists in Borno, trouble spots get training on trauma reporting

By Sam Kaye, Maiduguri
A non governmental organization, “Search For Common Ground” has concluded five days of training for journalists on Conflict and Trauma Sensitive reporting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The 5-Day training programme which started last Saturday focused on myriad of issues meant to equip reporters working in the north east region of Nigeria ravaged by Boko Haram.
Issues covered included “Where and how in a Conflict circle Journalists play a constructive role”; “Aspects of conflict sensitivity that Journalists  should be aware about while reporting or producing content”; “How Journalists should report Trauma reports, working with translators on Trauma stories,  production of Trauma reports”; and “How Journalism help Communities heal from Trauma among others.”
Deputy Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Maxwell Saungweme, said the target of the North-East geo-political zone and Borno State in particular for the training was to expose journalists to the sensitivity of trauma reporting, bearing in mind that they are faced with issues of trauma and conflict as a result of Boko Haram activities in the areas.
Yu Bakaar who lectured participants on Conflict Management in report writing, urged journalists to understand conflict and violence, as well as their difference while reporting or producing , adding that journalists should play the role of peace builders in conflict or violence situation.
Also speaking on Trauma Sensitive Journalism, Ema Bailings said that journalism should have a larger purpose than simply recounting the grisly details of violence for curious listeners, adding that journalists should corroborate their sources  of stories for a better result.
Over 30 journalists from Bauchi, Borno and Plateau Stateswere involved in the exercise.