PORT HARCOURT RESIDENTS PERCEPTION OF MEDIA ADVOCACY AGAINST KIDNAPPING IN RIVERS STATE

This study was carried out to investigate Port Harcourt Residents Perception of Media Advocacy against Kidnapping in Rivers State using selected respondents in Port Harcourt. To achieve this objective, six research questions and two research hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected with the help of a well-structured questionnaire of two sections administered to the selected respondents in Port Harcourt. The collected data were analyzed tables and descriptive statistics to analyze the research questions while t-test statistical method was used to test research hypotheses. All data were coded using SPSS software. The study reveals that there is a significant impact of media advocacy on Port Harcourt Residents Perception against Kidnapping in Rivers State and there is a significant relationship between media advocacy and campaign against kidnapping in Rivers State. The study concludes that radio campaigns against kidnapping in Port Harcourt have been ineffective due to residents' lack of engagement and support. To combat kidnapping, radio stations in Rivers state should collaborate with stakeholders and emphasize the joint effort required for enhanced security. The study suggests working with security personnel and other stakeholders to address the kidnapping problem in Rivers State, prioritizing objectivity and credibility in media reporting, concentrating on education and advocacy against kidnapping, and actively involving locals in the group effort to improve security and eradicate kidnapping.