PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF MASS MEDIA REPORTAGE OF KIDNAPPING IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ENUGU URBAN RESIDENTS

This study examines the public perception of mass media reportage of kidnapping in Nigeria, with a specific focus on residents of Enugu Urban. The rising incidence of kidnapping in Nigeria has attracted significant media attention, making the role of the mass media crucial in shaping public understanding, awareness, and reactions to the menace. The study aims to assess how media coverage influences public perception, determine the level of trust residents place in such reports, and evaluate whether media reportage contributes to fear, awareness, or preventive action among the populace. The research adopts a survey method, using questionnaires as the primary instrument for data collection. A sample of residents within Enugu Urban was selected to represent diverse demographic characteristics. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages. Findings reveal that while mass media play a vital role in informing the public about kidnapping incidents, many residents perceive media reports as sometimes exaggerated, sensationalized, or lacking in-depth investigative detail. The study also finds that media coverage significantly influences public fear and anxiety, although it simultaneously enhances awareness and encourages precautionary measures among residents. The study concludes that although mass media remain a powerful tool in combating kidnapping through information dissemination, there is a need for more balanced, accurate, and responsible reporting. It recommends that media organizations adopt ethical standards that prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism, while also collaborating with security agencies to provide timely and verified information to the public.