TRANSITIVITY IN SELECTED NEWSPAPER REPORTS ON FULANI HERDSMN ACTIVITIES

ABSTRACT

Reports on Fulani herdsmen activities have occupied the news media. This reports most often foregrounds power of the herdsmen and backgrounds the fear of the people. Language has a strong influence over people especially in the dissimilation of information. The language of reporting terrorism usually has a complex structure. The reporters and editors’ choice of language to capture the scene and act is what makes the complexity as it put the attitude of the audience into consideration and the aftermath comments. Terrorism activities have been the major news that dominates all Nigerian newspapers headline over few years. Several deaths and casualties have been recorded in series of terrorism activities. Over the years, Boko Haram and Niger Delta militant activities play big threat to the peace of the country. Recently, Fulani herdsmen have taken prominent position in terrorism activities as they massacre from regions to regions. This study investigate reports on Fulani herdsmen activities in selected newspaper through choices from the transitivity system.

Keywords: Terrorism, Fulani Herdsmen, Nigerian Newspapers, Transitivity analysis