Militancy and violence as a catalyst to kidnapping in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the concept of militancy and violence as a catalyst for kidnapping in Nigeria. The study acknowledges that there may be violent and non-violent militancy, but kidnapping is always forceful and violent in nature. Nigeria has witnessed and continues to witness various forms of militancy and violence, which have generated a booming new enterprise in the form of kidnapping for ransom. Government efforts to address these problems have been discriminatory, sentimental and engulfed in ethnicity. The lop-sidedness and apathy shown by the government in thwarting this menace has led to militants' demands for self-determination and sovereignty. Triggers for militancy, such as social injustice, oppressive policies, marginalization and resource control, seem to have no bearing on government agenda and policy. There is mistrust as to the intent of the government in containing the rising profile of militants and kidnappers, thereby creating fear in the minds of Nigerian citizens. We recommend among other actions: re-value orientation, good governance based on justice and the rule of law, and reform of the criminal justice system.

Democracy, Peace, and Religion in Nigeria: Can Religion Be Used to Consolidate or Undermine Democracy and Peace?

“…Another threat to peace and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria today is the decade of insecurity, insurgency, and communal and inter-religious conflicts that are currently facing the country (Chinwokwu 2013;Ishaya 2021). As argued, the recent resurgence of banditry, kidnapping, and acts of criminality across the country continues to undermine the entrenchment of democratic values and peace in the country (Abdulrasheed 2021).…”

Re-equipping Academic Research for Sustainable Technical and Vocational Education to Accelerate National Development

“…This is because training graduates lack the necessary skills to exploit the nation's available natural resources. Scholars such as Chinwokwu & Michael (2019), have stated that unemployment causes frustration and disillusionment, which can lead to criminal behavior. Therefore, efforts need to be made to evolve the acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life.…”

Kwara-Central undergraduates’ perceived peer pressures on youths involvement in kidnapping

“…This result is confirmed by observation of Jegede [16] that youth's involvement in kidnapping is associated with political liberation and struggle among political godfathers who use the youth as political thug during the period of election to kidnap their political opponents. Chinwokwu, et al and Ibrahim, et al [13,4] also linked causes of kidnapping to political reasons. Secondly, youth greediness for wealth acquisition among their peers is another mild serious peer pressure found out in this study.…”

“…Diara, et al [12] attributed youth involvement in kidnapping to unemployment, greed and inordinate ambition to amass wealth. Chinwokwu, et al [13] noted that youth involvement in militancy and kidnapping for ransom has become common and is a booming business in most cities across Nigeria. He further opined that the prime cause of kidnapping in Nigeria was the widespread corruption among politicians and police officers.…”