This study examined how Nigerian newspapers reported the herdsmen and
farmers’ conflict in Nigeria. It analyzed the contents of six newspapers to explore
the primary sources, the prominence accorded the conflict reports, and the themes
focused on their reportage. Findings show that out of the 159 stories considered
for the study, newspapers relied mostly on their correspondents and herdsmen
representatives as primary news sources. Public condemnation/protests and
government/public intervention were the dominant thematic focus. The northsouth media axis phenomenon in Nigeria resonated in the coverage as the
frame of ‘herdsmen-against-farmers’ is indicated more in the southern-based
newspapers consistent with the prevailing public notion. The study suggests
that the media in Nigeria relied mainly on third party sources with the
consequence their reports on the issue could be subject to source credibility
deficiency. In addition to addressing the general theme of reportage of the
herdsmen conflict, this study explicitly addresses how the newspapers covered
the conflict in Benue and Enugu states.