AN EVALUATION OF MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF SKULL MINING IN YORUBA STATES: A STUDY OF REPORTAGE IN OYO STATE

AN EVALUATION OF MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF SKULL MINING IN YORUBA STATES: A STUDY OF REPORTAGE IN OYO STATE

Background of the Study

Media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and influencing social attitudes towards crime and illicit activities. In Oyo State, where skull mining remains an issue, media representations of this practice can either reinforce or challenge its social and cultural acceptance. Traditional media outlets, as well as social media platforms, have increasingly reported on the illegal practice of skull mining, often highlighting its connection to spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and criminal activity. However, how these media portrayals affect public understanding and the legal discourse surrounding skull mining is not well understood.

 

The role of the media in portraying skull mining can have far-reaching implications for law enforcement, public awareness, and the broader cultural context in which these activities occur. This study aims to evaluate how skull mining is represented in the media in Oyo State, focusing on both traditional and digital media outlets. By examining how the media frames the issue, the research will assess whether these portrayals contribute to the perpetuation or reduction of skull mining practices.

 

Statement of the Problem

Although media coverage of skull mining has increased in recent years, there is limited research on how the media represents this illicit practice in Yoruba states. The portrayal of skull mining in Oyo State, whether through news stories, documentaries, or social media posts, may influence public perception, law enforcement practices, and cultural attitudes towards the issue. However, the nature of these representations and their impact on the social dynamics surrounding skull mining have not been adequately explored. This study seeks to evaluate media portrayals of skull mining and their effect on the perception of this practice in Oyo State.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate how skull mining is portrayed in traditional and digital media in Oyo State.

To assess the impact of media representations on public perceptions of skull mining in Yoruba communities.

To explore the role of media in either perpetuating or challenging skull mining practices in Oyo State.

 

Research Questions

How is skull mining portrayed in the media in Oyo State?

What impact do media representations of skull mining have on public perceptions in Oyo State?

How do media portrayals contribute to the social and cultural dynamics of skull mining in the region?

 

Significance of the Research

This research is significant as it will provide insights into the power of media in shaping public perceptions of skull mining. Understanding how media representations affect the cultural, social, and legal responses to skull mining will help inform strategies for combating this practice. The findings will be valuable for law enforcement, policymakers, and media professionals in addressing the role of media in influencing attitudes towards illegal activities.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Research

The study will focus on media portrayals of skull mining in Oyo State, specifically examining both traditional and digital media outlets. It will not extend to other regions or forms of ritualistic crime. The research is limited by the availability of media reports and the sensitivity of the topic, which may affect the depth of data collected.

Operational Definition of Terms

Skull Mining: The illegal exhumation and trafficking of human skulls for spiritual or ritual purposes.

Media Representations: The way in which the media portrays or frames a particular issue or event, including news stories, documentaries, and social media posts.

Public Perception: The collective attitude or understanding of a social issue as shaped by media, education, and personal experiences.

 

List of References

Adenuga, A. O., Aborisade, R. A., & Atere, A. A. (2024). Stemming the tide of violent conflicts in southwest Nigeria: The role of Yoruba indigenous security system. Fuoye Journal of Criminology and Security Studies, 3(2).