The rhetorical strategies in the reportage of Boko Haram in newspaper headlines in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, Boko Haram attacks have become a threat to the sustainability of the Nigerian state, and have engaged the interest of newspaper organisations This study examines the rhetorical strategies used in the reportage of Boko Haram in newspaper headlines in Nigeria to explain the underlining interests. Thirty (30) headlines from Vanguard and The Punch newspapers were studied. The author studies the linguistic features used to show considerations for the choice of grammatical structures and lexis. Findings reveal that the newspaper organisations in the casting of headlines via structural and lexical choices tend to imbue Boko Haram sect members with valour and effectiveness in the conflict situation reported. While on the other hand, the Government and its agencies involved in the control of the conflict are portrayed as lacking in valour and commitment. This is very significant as such reports help to (de)legitimize the parties in the conflict situation. Arising from the above, the researcher believes that the newspaper organisations should show more commitment to national security and development as reports that undermine the government of Nigeria are counterproductive and not in the interest of the Nation and the media organisations.