Appraisal of Crisis Communication Techniques of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in Quelling Communal Conflicts

Fortune Nengi Odinga; Richard N Amadi; Christopher Justice Njoku

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.11.no8.2025.pg142.156

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Appraisal of Crisis Communication Techniques of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in Quelling Communal Conflicts

Fortune Nengi Odinga, Richard N Amadi and, Christopher Justice Njoku

Abstract

This study critically appraises the crisis communication techniques employed by the Akuku- Toru Local Government Area (AKULGA) in quelling communal conflicts. Given the pivotal role of communication in conflict management, the study examined the techniques adopted by the local government, assessed their effectiveness and identified the major challenges hindering effective communication. The study adopted a triangulation research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure a comprehensive and credible analysis. The population of the study comprised 84 respondents, including members of the traditional council, Community Development Committee (CDC) officials, youth leaders, women group representatives, and members of the Local Government Security Council and select residents of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. A census sampling technique was utilized owing to the manageable population size. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically to capture contextual meanings and experiential insights. Findings revealed that the local government utilizes a combination of dialogue sessions, stakeholder consultations, public meetings, and the involvement of traditional rulers as its core crisis communication techniques. These strategies were found to be moderately effective, contributing to temporary peace restoration and improved information flow among stakeholders. However, the study identified several constraints, including inconsistent message dissemination, inadequate funding, political interference, and delayed response mechanisms, which undermine the effectiveness of communication efforts. Additionally, respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the reactive nature of crisis communication, noting that inter

Keywords

Crisis Communication: Crisis Communication Techniques: Crisis Management: Communication Strategies: Communal Conflicts: Conflict Resolution: Information Dissemination: Local Government Area (LGA): P

References

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Appraisal of Crisis Communication Techniques of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in Quelling Communal Conflicts

Abstract

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