Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
The attention of Zagazola Media Network has been drawn to a statement issued by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), in which our platform was unfairly and inaccurately portrayed as a “mouthpiece” of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) over reports relating to the recent killing of two herders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ordinarily, we would not dignify such allegations with a response. However, given the sensitivity of the Plateau conflict and the importance of maintaining public trust in independent journalism, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
First, Zagazola Media Network is neither affiliated with MACBAN, nor with any ethnic, religious, political or sectional interest group in Nigeria or the Sahel. We are a network of journalists, researchers and security analysts committed to factual reporting, conflict documentation and the promotion of peace and stability across Nigeria.
Our record speaks for itself.
For years, we have consistently documented and reported security developments across Plateau State and other conflict-prone areas without fear or favour. We have published hundreds of reports on attacks affecting all communities, irrespective of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. Our archives contain hundreds of extensive coverage of killings in Berom communities, attacks on Fulani settlements, reprisals, kidnappings, cattle rustling, communal violence and terrorist activities across the state.
When Fulani Bandits attacked communities in Bokkos on Monday and 18 of innocent residents were killed, Zagazola Media Network was among the first platforms to report the tragedy.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/fulani-bandits-kill-18-in-fresh-attack-on-plateau-communities
We did not hesitate because the victims were Berom. We reported the facts as they emerged. Indeed, many of those reports were subsequently cited and amplified by national and international media organizations. Likewise, when Fulani communities have come under attack, we have reported those incidents with the same level of professionalism and attention.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/two-fulani-killed-in-ambush-by-irigwe-youths-along-jos-south-road-one-escapes
Our principle is simple, All victims deserve to be heard, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social status. Facts deserve to be reported, regardless of whose narrative they support.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/suspected-fulani-bandits-attack-illegal-mining-site-in-plateau-kill-two-troops-recover-corpses
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It is therefore disappointing that an organization claiming to advocate peace and justice would resort to attacking the credibility of journalists simply because a report did not conform to its preferred narrative.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/fulani-bandits-kill-one-injure-another-in-plateau-community-attack
The essence of journalism is not to validate the positions of interest groups. Journalism exists to establish facts and place them before the public. Sometimes those facts may align with the position of one group. At other times, they may not. That does not make the journalist an ally or an enemy of any side.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/one-killed-two-injured-in-attack-on-herders-by-berom-militia-in-plateau
The attempt to associate Zagazola Media Network with MACBAN is both false and irresponsible. Equally troubling is the suggestion that our reports should be judged based on whether they support the narratives of any ethnic organization. The Plateau crisis is too serious for such distractions.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/berom-militia-ambush-travelers-in-barkin-ladi-after-identifying-them-as-fulani-amid-escalating-tit-for-tat-violence-in-plateau
For decades, communities across Plateau State have suffered devastating losses. Berom families have lost loved ones. Fulani families have lost loved ones. Other ethnic groups have also paid a terrible price. The challenge before all stakeholders should be how to stop the cycle of violence not how to silence or intimidate independent reporting.
What should concern everyone is whether journalists are acting in good faith and striving for accuracy. On that score, Zagazola Media Network’s record remains open for public scrutiny.
We therefore reject, in its entirety, the attempt to portray our platform as aligned with MACBAN or any other interest group. Even the MACBAN are accusing Zagazola of stereo typing the Fulani as Bandits in our stories. But for the purpose of clarity the names of attackers must be clearly mentioned.
We therefore reject the dangerous trend of branding journalists based on whose actions are reported at any given moment. Our loyalty remains where it has always been: with the truth.
We will continue to report attacks against Berom communities when they occur. We will continue to report attacks against Fulani communities when they occur. We will continue to report criminality, terrorism and violence wherever they emerge.
The pursuit of peace requires honesty. It requires courage. Above all, it requires a willingness to confront facts, even when they are uncomfortable.
Zagazola Media Network will remain committed to those principles.
Truth has no ethnic colour. Facts have no tribe. Journalism has no side except the truth.
— Zagazola Media Network