A STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING KIDNAPPING IN ZURMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examines the factors that influence kidnapping in Zurmi localgovernment area of Zamfara state, covering the periods between 2019–2023. Since the returnto civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed a catalogue of increased crimes and insecurity.Kidnapping and ransom collection are such, which have bedevilled especially in the Zurmi areaof Zamfara state. Kidnapping has great adverse effects on the nation’s socio-economicdevelopment. The act is closely linked to armed banditry, cattle rustling and armed robbery.The wealthy and low-income earners have been picked up by kidnappers who only free theirvictims after payments of ransom. This menace exerts enormous and far-reaching economicand social costs. It induces and creates a palpable ambience of fear and despair for all citizens,stultifies economic growth, and hinders sustainable development. This study adopted a mixedmethod utilising both in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires to identify the factorsthat influence kidnapping in Zurmi, Zamfara state. In terms of findings, the data revealed thatthe factors that influence kidnapping in the study area include poverty, unemployment,illiteracy, revenge, governmental negligence of herdsmen’s grazing areas, antisocialtendencies, injustice and envy. Other factors include lacking religious faith, breach of trustamong people, injustice of leaders, competition among people, desire for luxury, corruption,poor socialization, high level of immorality, poor parental control, drug abuse, lack ofawareness, inequality in resource allocation, poor security system, disrespect of traditionleaders, parental negligence, and rampant divorce. The research adopted the Rational ChoiceTheory (RCT) as its theoretical frame of reference to explain the menace of kidnapping and itsconsequences on the community. RCT posits that in any course of action, individuals weigh upthe likely benefits and disadvantages of each action. Before kidnappers go into the act, theymust have weighed the options and concluded more rewards than punishment. In order toaddress the causes of kidnapping in the study area, the study offered recommendations. Theseinclude the need for the governments to create job opportunities for the teeming youth as wellas an enabling environment so that private sectors can thrive. Also, there should be properprotection of the identities of the public members that supply useful information to securityagencies.