The federal government has likened misinformation and fake news with terrorism as it cautioned the media against its inherent dangers.
The government, therefore, implored the media to provide compelling, positive alternatives to extremist ideologies to fight the battle posed by terrorism.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, raised these concerns in Abuja on Tuesday during the opening session of a two-day training workshop for defence correspondents.
The workshop, organised by the National Counterterrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, was titled, “Effective Reporting Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideologies.”
The minister urged journalists to avoid sensational reporting that could inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.
Idris called on journalists to collaborate with security experts, sociologists, psychologists and community leaders to provide a comprehensive perspective on terrorism and its alternatives. He highlight ed the crucial influence of the media in shaping public perception and promoting peace, noting the media’s immense power to influence minds, shape narratives.
