Tansian University Journal of Arts, Management & Social Sciences

This study examines Onitsha residents’ views on social media coverage of Agunechemba vigilante activities, with particular attention to its role in shaping community security awareness. Anchored in Social Responsibility Theory, the study employs a survey design to assess residents’ exposure to social media content, their perceptions of such coverage, and its influence on security consciousness. Findings reveal high levels of exposure, particularly through Facebook, with respondents generally perceiving the coverage as positive and influential in enhancing community security awareness. The results further indicate that social media serves as a participatory platform for information dissemination and civic engagement in local security matters. The study concludes that the ethical and responsible use of social media can strengthen public trust, accountability, and vigilance in community policing efforts. It recommends collaborative engagement among social media platforms, vigilante groups, and government agencies to ensure accurate, transparent, and responsible dissemination of security information.

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