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Article History

Received: 24 December 2025

Accepted: 6 April 2026

First Online: 22 April 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. Ethical approval (EBSU/MAC/24/EC09) was obtained on April 24, 2024. All procedures complied with the 2013 revision of the Declaration of Helsinki and national ethical guidelines for research involving human participants. Prior to each FGD session, participants were briefed about the aims of the study, and how participation was voluntary. We also told them about the confidentiality and storage their data. Consent was given orally. They were informed that they may decline to answer any question or withdraw from the discussion at any point without consequences.

: All participants provided oral consent for the publication of anonymised and aggregated data derived from their responses. No identifiable personal information is included in the manuscript.

: All participants were informed about the aims and procedures of the study, and oral informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Given the anticipated possibility of the discussions touching on sensitive issues of security, politics, ethnicity, and religion, moderators were trained on how to manage potential tensions, and redirect the discussion as deemed necessary. Participation was voluntary, and respondents retained the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

: The authors declare no competing interests.