A Case Study of CNN's Report on the Lekki Tollgate Shooting
In October 2020, the world witnessed a significant event in Nigeria, known as the #EndSARS movement. The protests were against police brutality, particularly the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit that had been accused of numerous human rights abuses. On October 20, 2020, a tragic incident occurred at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, where security forces opened fire on protesters, resulting in casualties. CNN's report on this incident is a fascinating case study of how media can shape public opinion and how different groups interpret the same message in various ways. CNN's report on the Lekki tollgate shooting aimed to reveal the truth about the incident and demand accountability from the Nigerian government. The investigation used geo-located video, timestamped footage, and witness testimony to challenge the government's denial of military involvement and claim that there were no casualties. The report positioned the Nigerian army as aggressors who used lethal force on...