The Effect of Terrorism and Kidnapping on the Nigeria Economy
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
- To examine the effects of terrorism on social (community) interaction, citizens ‟s material conditions, political behaviour, the level of income and survival
- To assess the implication that terrorism has for the social and economic domain in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
- To assess the efforts and strategies provided by the State and non-governmental organisations, religious heads etc.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Concept of Security and Terrorism
Traditionally, the issue of security has been centred on the security of the state and the absence of war (Pease, 2012). Security as an essential concept is commonly associated with the alleviation of threats to cherished values, especially the survival of individuals, groups or objects in the near future. Thus, security as the name implies involves the ability to pursue cherished political and social ambitions (Williams, 2008). Palme (1992) implies that there is a correlation between „‟security and survival‟‟ where as survival is an essential condition, security is viewed as safety, confidence and free from danger, fear, doubts among others. Therefore, security is “survival plus‟‟ and the word plus could be understood from the standpoint of being able to enjoy some freedom from life determining threats and some life choices (Booth, 2007).
Security according to Brons (2001) covers a wide range of factors; individual physical safety from other people; legal, economic and social protection; political and military stability; and certainty or confidence in the value system in which the individual is embedded. Similarly, McNamara (1968) has aptly observed that security means development and without development, there can be no security. Development means economic, social and political progress, it means a reasonable standard of living (Alemika, 2012).
At the empirical level according to Alemika (2012), security may be defined and measured as absence of harm, fear and want. Thus, security can be classified into three broad domains: protection and safety from injuries and losses arising from criminal activities, violent conflicts, wars etc. protection and safety from oppression by state and non- state actors, especially by corporate actors and the institution and officials of the state. Protection or safety from deprivation of or lack of access to basic necessities of life, food and nutrition, shelter, clothing, health care, education, employment, healthy condition of work and healthy environment.
However, the concept of security is meaningless without a critical discourse of something pertinent to secure. Indeed, security could be understood when situated within the context of a referent object (Nwagboso, 2012). In the long sweep of human history, the central focus of security has been people (Rothschild, 1995). Contrarily, some scholars especially those in international politics have argued that when thinking about security, states should be the most important referent. On the other hand, some analyst have challenged this position by arguing that any intellectual discourse on security should accord priority to human beings since without reference to individual humans, security makes no sense. (Mcsweeney, 1992)
More so, the concept of security is not alien and has been central even in primitive societies. The need for security necessitated the social contract in which people willingly surrendered their rights to an organ (Government) who over sees the survival of all. For decades, issues relating to security tend to occupy the centre stage in the development discourse. In his view, Igbuzor (2011) posited that security is the condition or feeling of safety from harm or danger, the defence, protection and absence of threat to acquire values. Security in an objective sense, measures the absence of threats to acquire values, in subjective sense, the absence of fear that such values will be attacked (Wolfers, 1962).
In spite of its conceptual complexities, the understanding of the term shows that security is vital for national cohesion, peace and sustainable develop thus: “Security has to do with freedom from danger or with threats to a nation‟s Ability to protect and develop itself, promotes its Cherished values and
legitimate interestfrom or absence of those tendencies which could undermine internal cohesion andthe cooperate existence of the nation and its ability to maintain its vital institutionsfor the Promotion of its core values and socio political and economic objectives, aswell as meet the legitimate aspirations of the people. It implies freedom from danger to life and prosperity.”(Oche, 2001).
Security therefore refers to the search to avoid, prevent, reduce or resolve violent conflicts whether the threat originates from other states, non-state actors or structural socioeconomic
conditions (Stan, 2004). Terrorism denotes absence of security. Nigeria in recent times has witnessed an unprecedented level of terrorism- inter and intra communal and ethnic clashes, ethno religious violence, armed robbery, assassination, murder, gender based violence, bomb explosions etc. have been on the increase leading to enormous loss of life, property and a general atmosphere of siege and social tension for the populace (Ibrahim and Igbuzor, 2002).
Terrorism as an essential concept is commonly associated with the situations of threats to cherished values especially the survival of individuals, groups or objects in their near future. Thus, terrorism as the name implies, involves the inability to pursue cherished, political and socioeconomic condition favourable to democracy. Terrorism is a condition of no safety, confidence, and the pervasiveness of danger, fear and doubts. It could also mean the situation of being inadequately guarded or protected; unsafe, and the prevalence of instability as against desired stability.
As Alemika (2012) argued there are various forms of terrorism which can be classified under four dimensions. These are: Physical terrorism- violent personal and property crimes; public terrorism- violent conflicts, insurgency and terrorism; economic terrorism- poverty, unemployment; social terrorism- illiteracy, ignorance, diseases, or illnesses; human right violations- denial of fundamental rights by state and non-state actors; political terrorism- denial of good and social democratic government.
For the purpose of this study, terrorism refers to the breach of peace and security, whether historical, religious, ethno-regional, civil, social, economic and political that has contributed to recurring conflicts and impacted enormously to the downgrade of Nigeria.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter contains the research methodology. Essentially, research methodology is the procedures by which this research went about describing, explaining and predicting occurrences. It is also defined as the study of methods by which the knowledge of this work is gained. Basically,this chapter include location of the study, type and sources of data, sample size and sampling procedure, methods of data collection and method of data analysis.
Types and Sources of Data
This research employed primary techniques in generating data. Secondary data was sourced from employ materials such as journals, articles, books etc. Primary data was gathered through the use of cross-sectional field surveys which involved the use of interviews, questionnaire and focus group discussion
Secondary Data
Our secondary data consisted of analysis of data that has previously been collected and tabulated by other sources. For example, the ICG (International Crisis Group) report of December 2012 which documented and analysed the violence in Jos, Plateau State capital. Such data was gotten from third party data contained in a journal etc. however, others where gotten from government agencies in Plateau State and also, publicly available third party data, contained in text books, journals, newspapers and internet materials etc.
One among the weaknesses of using secondary data is inappropriateness of the data (Denscombe 2010). This is because it can provide you with vast quality, but quality is not synonymous of appropriateness.
Primary Data
Primary data was collected directly from first-hand experience. It is the original object or document-the raw materials or first-hand information, source materials that is closest to what is being studied. It includes interview, questionnaires.
They are created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. They are characterized by their content, regardless of whether they are available in original format, digital or in published format.
Questionnaire contains both closed and open ended instruments/items which is divided into four sections. The first section of the questionnaire addressed issues bothering on the causes of terrorism in Jos North and Barkin Ladi. The second section addressed the socio-economic effect of terrorism. The third section addressed the various mechanisms adopted and their effectiveness and the last section focused on contribution of how to reduce terrorism in Nigeria.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Introduction
This chapter contains the presentation and the analysis of data collected through both secondary and primary sources on the subject under study in the light of which deductions or findings were drawnd and verified against the assumptions posed in chapter one. Therefore, this chapter contains the number of questionnaires given and retrieved, The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, the causes of terrorism in Plateau State, the socio-economic effects of terrorism in Nigeria, the implication of the socio economic effects of terrorism on the activities of the people of Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, the efforts made in curbing the socio-economic effects of terrorism in Nigeria and discussion of major findings on the research assumptions postured in this research. Data collected through questionnaires andinterviews were collectively presented in a tabular form and analysed.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
iNTRODUCTION
This chapter covers the above summary, conclusion and recommendations. The summary contains a succinct overview of the entire study. It is then followed by the conclusion drawn from inferences on the discussion on the previous chapters thus far. Particular insight is extracted from the respondents on the basic instruments used to source the needed information. Accordingly, recommendations are made on how to reduce the impact of terrorism on the socio- economicactivities of the people of Plateau State especially in in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in order to bring lasting solutions.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
This study examines the effect of terrorism on the Nigerian economy particularly in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, Nigeria. This became necessary as a result of the overwhelming implications of terrorism in Nigeria. The variables investigated in the study included the causal factors of terrorism in Nigeria such as poverty, unemployment, indigene settler crisis, farmers and Fulani herdsmen feud, ethno religious conflicts, corruption, illiteracy etc. the study also looked at the implication of these problems which includes high level of violent crimes, loss of lives and properties, low patronage in hospitality business, transportation business, low food production, high rate of distrusts and suspicions, food scarcity, embezzlement of public funds, low self-esteem etc. mechanisms carried out by the state and non-state actors were also taken into grasp.
The study also came up with major findings in the preceding chapter that loss of lives and properties, scarcity and low food production, low level of patronage in hospitality business, high level of crimes, un accountability of government and suspiciousness and reinforced stereotypes are major socio- economic effects of terrorism in Nigeria. Also, it can be deduced that the causes of terrorism in these areas are variables ranging from unemployment, illiteracy, farmers and Fulani herdsmen crisis, weak judicial system, religion and ethnic intolerance, indigene settler crisis etc. recognition is also given to various resolution mechanisms.
Accordingly, the literature review covered the main variables in the topic. The indicators investigated in the review include the concept of security and terrorism, conflicts both social and economic from the global perspectives to the study area. The thematic conceptualization was followed by the theoretical framework in which the theory of securitization was employed to explain the phenomena of security and terrorism problems.
In an attempt to verify these claims in a scientific and objective way, quantitative method was used to analyse information collected from questionnaire, in-depth interview, and other scholarly extrapolation in a systematic way by collaborating information on their similarities and divergence respectively. This was collected from two sampled Local Government that make up the study.
Furthermore, the opinions and information gathered from the designed methodology were presented systematically according to the research questions which were developed into objectives and assumptions all drawn from the research problem. The opinion was contradictory; however there were unanimity that conflicts have negatively affected the growth and development of Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
CONCLUSION
The central theme has been the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy; a study of Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas. Terrorism problems have led to a number of problems in Jos North and Barkin Ladi. It has destabilized the social economic and political development of these areas. Notwithstanding the subverted effects of terrorism in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, various measures were enunciated by the Government and Non-State Actors as remedy for the niggling problem of terrorism.
Also it is the view of this study that every persons or groups in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government area should come together and embrace peace because peace breeds growth and development. Peace initiative should be promoted as cure to the hatred which is inherent among ethnic groups and other residents in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- There is a need to create employment in the state. This is because the rate of unemployment is alarming based on statistics carried out. The State Government should employ the habit of employing youths into the state civil service either at the end of the year or the beginning depending on the number of civil servants that retires every This is because one of the findings reaffirmed that unemployment breeds all sets of negativity in the society.
- The study also recommends the prosecution of offenders and suspects accused of criminal offences during conflicts. They should be subjected to criminal processes under the provision of the criminal law, instead of treating them with soft hands and later releasing them without trials. This will serve as a lesson during future
- Also there is a need to intensify and encourage dispute resolution initiatives and other measures aim at preventing conflicts in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Special efforts should be made to listen to the grievances and suggestions from various communities affected by ethno- religious, indigene settler or farmers and Fulani herdsmen crisis.
- Government should build a central market or renovate the burnt terminus market where every person irrespective of tribe or religion can freely come and shop, own shops and otherwise.
- The study also recommends that education should be made free and compulsory especially in the primary and secondary section. This is because the high level of fees attached to schools discourages parents from sending their wards to school. At the tertiary level, there should be massive reduction of school fees especially for non-indigenes who also resides in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government
- The State Government should place the vigilante groups on salary scheme or some form of incentives. This is because; this group have made significant efforts in reducing and arresting miscreants in remote areas, not only that, they have helped in providing security for their various By so doing there are indirectly reducing unemployment in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
- The Government should provide welfare, loans and grants to victims of conflicts especially those who lost their houses, farmlands foods etc. This should be done to reduce the problems of poverty, malnutrition, sickness and diseases etc.
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