SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD LITERACY PROGRAMME AS A STRATEGY FOR CURBING KIDNAPS AND RITUAL KILLINGS IN ETCHE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

This study focused on Safe neighborhood literacy programme as a strategy for curbing kidnap and ritual killings in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study was guided by three research questions. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study.240 respondents representing 20% of members of each of the identified Community Based Organisations (CBOs) from ten communities in Etche Local Government Area were selected through proportionate sample technique. An instrument titled “Questionnaire on Safe neighborhood literacy programme as a strategy for curbing kidnap and ritual killings ((SNLPFCKRKQ) was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using mean statistics. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Reliability index of 0.80 was obtained for the instrument. The study found out that the role of safe neighborhood literacy in achieving peace for sustainable development in Rivers State are helping people to be guards over their neighbors, empowering individuals with the skill of identifying criminals in the neighborhood, helping to maintain peace in the community, reduction of criminal tendencies in people, promoting good relationship between the community and the law enforcement agents. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that there should be adequate awareness campaign by the state and local government authorities on the need for Safe neighborhood programmes for youths, adults and adolescent learners who are major stakeholders in development projects of Rivers State.