The journalists made the recommendation in a communique issued
at the end of a one-day Conflict Sensitive Reporting Workshop held at
the Benue Hotel, Makurdi, on Friday.

The workshop which was facilitated by the
Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, in collaboration with INEC and
National Orientation Agency (NOA) was aimed at training journalists on
election coverage and reportage.

The union in the state identified causes of
political violence as, hate speech during campaigns, unilateral change
of election dates, fake news, presence of thugs to disrupt electoral
process, vote buying, cultism among others.

It also listed other causes to
include death and destruction of property; noting that youths, women,
children and the elderly, were the most vulnerable during electoral
crises.

They blamed politicians, the media and party
officials, for exacerbating political crises, while youth groups were
fingered as the main activists during such crises.

They also suggested that INEC be given full charge of all electoral issues, including security during election period.

The Benue NUJ suggested the adoption of electronic transmission of results to minimise falsification.

It also called for the inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons to exercise their franchise during the polls.

The union further resolved to be
sensitive in reportage, avoid publication and dissemination of
unconfirmed reports; as well as carry out in-depth analysis and research
before reporting.

The journalists reiterated their commitment to
propagating the slogan of #Vote in peace, Vote for peace; and to ensure
that elections were free, fair and credible.