A tale of two kidnapings: Government response to Chibok & Dapchi attacks in Nigeria

This study examines government response to two terror-related incidents in Nigeria, an abduction of 276 schoolgirls in April 2014 and a similar abduction of 110 schoolgirls in February 2018 by terror group Boko Haram. Data consisted of government communications around both incidents, including social media messaging and press statements, supplemented by qualitative interviews with journalists who reported on the abductions. Findings suggest that silence, distancing, acceptance of responsibility, and rebuilding were used to varying degrees in the two incidents. We conclude that the government response to the Chibok incident was delayed, underestimated reputational threat, and attempted to distance itself from the incident, resulting in the emergence of competing frames. The response to the Dapchi abduction was more timely and showcased acceptance of responsibility by the political administration. Implications for terror-related crisis communication in developing countries are discussed.