Title:   ASSESSMENT OF AUDIENCE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TO MEDIA MESSAGES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL MIGRATIONAMONG RESIDENTS OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract
This research work assessed audience knowledge, attitude and practice to media messages on human trafficking and illegal migration. Anchoring on two complementary theories – The Agenda Setting Theory and Attitude Change Theory as well as the survey research methodology approach, the study examines audience knowledge, attitude and practice towards media messages on human trafficking focusing on Edo State. The media through print and broadcast media have produced and disseminated news stories which have contributed a lot towards sensitizing members of the public about the scourge of human trafficking thereby increasing knowledge and understanding of human trafficking and illegal migration root causes. Findings reveal that that unfortunately, the increased knowledge level has not led to significant changes in attitude and practice to reduce the exploitation of people. This is because the poor attitude and economic situation prevalent in the country has increased the desire to search for greener pastures. The study concludes that communication should focus more on targeting and dispelling misconceptions with a view to eliminating them and to spur individuals to change their attitude and adopt life-saving practices. The paper recommends that traditional rulers, the clergy and opinion leaders should be involved in the planning and dissemination of messages to audiences. There is also an urgent need to coordinate and increase the efforts of law enforcement agencies, stakeholders and the government to help in the re-integration of returned trafficked persons and to develop strategies towards developing effective media campaigns against human trafficking and illegal migration.
Keywords: Human trafficking, illegal migration, knowledge, attitude and practice

Citations:

Publication Date: 2022-03-03