Changing Pattern of Kidnapping and Food Security, Oyo State
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the changing pattern of kidnapping and its implications for food security. Using Oyo state as a case study. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Examine the Evolution of Kidnapping Motivations in Oyo state.
- Evaluate the direct consequences of kidnapping on agricultural productivity in Oyo state.
- To Investigate how kidnapping incidents disrupt the food supply chain in Oyo state
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Kidnapping in Nigeria: An existential threat
The north-west of Nigeria as well as the entire country are at existential risk of kidnapping, the worst security concern the country has recently faced, (Imhonopi & Urim, 2016). Kidnapping is one of the security challenges plaguing the nation at the moment; as a result, many lives and valuables have been lost, (Ojo, 2020). Kidnappers make the lives of their captives and the people they care about miserable by demanding an outrageous ransom to gain their release, (Oluwole, & Balogun, 2022). Kidnappings have increased significantly in Nigeria, which have triggered displacement of people and disruption of social and economic activities. In the quest to provide the ransom, many families have sold their valuables; some have lost their source of livelihood to effect the release of their relatives. Moreover, paying ransom does not even guarantee that the victim will be released unhurt, (Abdullahi, 2023). Kidnap is derived from the two words ‘kid’ and ‘nab.” While kid literally indicates a child, nab is to steal by force, (Ngwamah, 2014; Alexander & Klein 2009). The social and economic life of Nigeria and the rest of the globe are not new to kidnapping, but its evolution has been rapid and expansionary in nature with the introduction of technology and financial reward. Globally, there have been reported cases of kidnappings, For example, the kidnapping of Colonel Charles Lindbergh’s son on March 1, 1932, by German carpenter Bruno Hauptmann in return for a ransom, (Gardner LC, 2004). That is why Egwu, (2016) suggests that kidnapping is the forceful capture and detention of law-abiding citizens by organizations, individuals, or groups of people infringing on the fundamental rights of the person with an intention to extort money or cause harm to the individual. Kidnapping is not a new concept; kidnapping is an old concept that deals with the forcible snatching and taking into captivity of minors in the olden days. These children who are kidnapped are forced into captivity and converted into domestic labor machines; some are made farm hands and others turned into sex slaves, (Alexander & Klein 2009). However, modern day trends have changed the narrative in terms of motives, procedures, and coverage. Especially in Nigeria, where the cases have become so frequent that food chains have been disrupted across the nation, this happens because farmers are afraid of going to the farms because of the fear of kidnappers in Nigeria, (Justin, et.al. 2021). Kidnapping is defined as the abduction of a person by illegal force, being carried off through deception and holding them against their will, with a demand for ransom, (Uzorma & Nwanegbo-Ben 2014). Sophisticated human trafficking is the framework in which modern slavery occurs, and it occasionally starts with kidnapping. Additionally Inyang & Abraham, (2013) described it as “the unlawful taking, taking away, and detention of a person against that person’s will. In addition, Fage, & Alabi, (2017) suggest that it is the forced or dishonest abduction of an individual or a group of individuals for objectives that encompass monetary, political, and religious objectives in the quest for supremacy. Exposing the victim’s families, the nation, and the world, to absurd suffering and devastation, the reason the south-east, the Niger Delta, and the south-western area continued to see high levels of kidnappings until recently, when hostages were also been taken in the northern states of Nigeria. The threat of kidnapping in Nigeria are surrounded by several ideas of causation; while some others contend that it is caused by factors like unemployment, resource control agitation, and religious fanaticism, others conclude that it is political, while points to ‘get rich quick mentality’ among the youth, (Olalekan, et al., 2018). Without regard to the motive, no man shall kidnap another and demand a ransom. The recent rise in kidnapping instances is particularly concerning. For instance, between January 1 and July 29, 2022, the nation of Nigeria saw 2,840 episodes of insecurity, resulting in at least 7,222 deaths and 3,823 kidnappings, according to Odeniyi (2022).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Changing pattern of kidnapping and food security. Selected residents in Oyo state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Changing pattern of kidnapping and food security, Oyo State. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges Changing pattern of kidnapping and food security, Oyo State.
Summary
This study was on Changing pattern of kidnapping and food security, Oyo State. Three objectives were raised which included; Examine the Evolution of Kidnapping Motivations in Oyo state, evaluate the direct consequences of kidnapping on agricultural productivity in Oyo state and to Investigate how kidnapping incidents disrupt the food supply chain in Oyo state. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Oyo state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study has provided valuable insights into the changing pattern of kidnapping and its profound implications for food security. Through an examination of evolving motivations, impacts on agricultural activities and food distribution, rural-urban migration trends, and the vulnerability of affected populations, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
The study has highlighted the shift from politically motivated kidnappings to economically driven ones, with ransom-seeking becoming a lucrative incentive for criminal organizations and armed groups. This transformation underscores the need for adaptive responses in addressing kidnapping-related challenges.
The disruption of agricultural activities due to the targeting of farmers and agricultural laborers has been a significant concern. This disruption not only affects food production but also contributes to the vulnerability of rural communities, who often bear the brunt of these incidents.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and conclusions of this study regarding the changing pattern of kidnapping and its impact on food security, the following recommendations are put forth to address this complex and evolving issue effectively:
- Strengthen law enforcement and security agencies to combat kidnapping and ensure the safety of communities.
- Implement intelligence-sharing mechanisms among regions and countries to track and address cross-border kidnapping networks.
- Develop community-based security initiatives to empower local populations in safeguarding their areas.
- Promote economic diversification in regions prone to kidnapping by providing training and resources for alternative livelihoods.
- Encourage investment in industries that are less susceptible to kidnapping-related disruptions, such as technology and services sectors.
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