AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENCE OF KIDNAPPING IN PLATEAU STATE: A CASE STUDY OF BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Information on the Problem of Kidnapping in Nigeria The security situation in Nigeria has grown increasingly complicated and unpredictable in recent years. Available data reveals a rising trend in the kidnapping of individuals across the nation, although these numbers reflect only a fraction of the actual incidents (Ojo et al., 2023). Northern Nigeria, in particular, is facing a widespread state of insecurity, primarily due to the surge in kidnapping cases. For instance, a raid by bandits in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State on March 17, 2023, resulted in the deaths of four military personnel and three vigilantes (Abdulkabir, 2017). Another distressing incident occurred on May 11, 2023, when terrorists and armed assailants abducted around 40 churchgoers in Kaduna, as reported by Hassan-Wuyo in 2023. Additionally, a tragic attack by gunmen in the Paikoro and Munya LGAs of Niger State led to the deaths of a village head and a medical doctor, along with the kidnapping of over 120 people, including women and children (Mosadomi, 2023). As a direct consequence of this insecurity, kidnapping has become one of its most alarming manifestations. According to the 2016 United Nations kidnapping index, the proportions of adult and child victims varied across regions: Europe and Central Asia recorded 82% adults and 16% children; the Americas had 73% adults and 27% children; Southeast Asia and the Pacific had 61% adults and 39% children. In contrast, Africa reported 32% adult victims and a significant 68% child victims (cited in Odey, 2017). Mohammed Adamu, who was the Inspector-General of Police at the time, estimated that annually between 685 and 900 people were kidnapped throughout Nigeria. While most prevalent in the northeast—accounting for 79.8% of cases—kidnapping has extended its reach nationwide (Toromade, 2019). The gravity of kidnapping has drawn both national and international concern due to its evolving patterns and consequences. Within academic circles, there is increasing alarm over the high number of kidnappings occurring in educational institutions. Although it is a widespread issue affecting both developed and developing countries, kidnapping has a historical lineage. As Ezemenaka (2018) notes, the term "kidnapping" is derived from the combination of "kid" (child) and "nap" (to snatch), and dates back to 1673, when it referred to the abduction of children to serve as laborers in American colonies. In modern contexts, kidnapping has broadened to mean any unauthorized seizure or confinement of a person, regardless of age, and against their will. While records about the origin of kidnapping in Nigeria are ambiguous, it is clear that the phenomenon is not new. Akpan (2017) points out that during the 19th century, slave trade rivalries were characterized by piracy, raids, and the forced capture of able-bodied individuals—a precursor to today’s kidnappings. The issue became a national concern in 2006 when militants in the Niger Delta abducted foreign oil workers to highlight the exploitation and neglect of the resource-rich region. Since that point, this crime—mala in se—has spread across Nigeria (Oyemwinmin & Osazuwa, 2016). Today, both foreigners and Nigerians are targets. Kidnapping in Nigeria is not a recent trend but one that has lingered through history, albeit with less prominence in earlier documentation. The advent of democracy may have contributed to political kidnappings; for example, the abduction of former Anambra State Governor and current Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, in 2003, was reportedly politically motivated (Jeribe & Nlemchukwu, 2016). Various motivations fuel kidnapping in Nigeria. Scholars suggest it is used as a tool for economic gain, political leverage, ritual purposes, and as a competitive tactic among business rivals. Some kidnappings are politically inspired, with politicians recruiting idle youth to execute abductions for political advantage. Others are carried out for ritualistic purposes, aimed at acquiring human body parts for spiritual, political, or economic empowerment (Abdulkabir, 2017). Despite its brutal and inhumane nature, kidnapping continues to spread across all regions in Nigeria. It has grown into a serious national concern, drawing attention from government policymakers, NGOs, religious and political leaders, and other stakeholders interested in national development (Jeribe & Nlemchukwu, 2016). This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the issue of kidnapping in Plateau State, focusing specifically on Bassa Local Government Area. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Kidnapping, while often viewed as a temporary event, imposes severe trauma on its victims. However, deeper investigation reveals that various underlying issues—economic hardship, political manipulation, cultural influences, poverty, and unemployment—often drive this criminal activity. Abdulkabir (2017) identifies several socioeconomic factors that may have significantly contributed to the rising frequency of kidnappings in Nigeria. Identifying the primary driver of kidnapping in the Bassa area is a pressing concern. Kidnapping presents a serious threat to societal peace and the coexistence of diverse groups, particularly in Bassa LGA. This menace affects everyone regardless of social status—locals and visitors, rich and poor, the educated and the uneducated, public officials and private citizens, including security agents and politicians. While kidnapping was once associated mostly with the wealthy and powerful, today, individuals across all societal levels face this risk. Igwe (2018) confirms that Nigeria has experienced multiple variations of kidnapping over time, each with its own pattern and method. The impact of kidnapping is far-reaching. Victims suffer not just physically but also emotionally, psychologically, and financially. Their families are also subjected to intense stress, facing uncertainty about the victim's fate—whether they will be released, injured, or killed. Financially, ransom demands can devastate households. Beyond individual trauma, kidnapping also undermines community life. Social events are often disrupted, and fear permeates public spaces. Residents become perpetually alert, hindering normal social interaction. The increasing frequency of kidnappings has generated anxiety among citizens and authorities alike, raising questions about the level of threat these trends pose to society. Efforts by both state and federal governments to combat the problem—using both military and peaceful approaches—have yielded limited results, especially in Plateau State. Akpan (2017) notes that these strategies have not effectively resolved the issue. As such, this study is set to examine the phenomenon of kidnapping in Plateau State, with a focus on Bassa Local Government Area.. 1.3 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What is the prevalence of kidnapping in Bassa Local Government, Plateau State Nigeria? ii.What are the factors responsible for kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria? iii.What is the effect of kidnapping on the socio-economic development of Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria? iv.What are government and security agencies response to kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria? 1.4 Research objectives The broad objective of the study is to investigate kidnapping in plateau state: a case study of Bassa local government area. The specific objectives is as follows i.To examine the prevalence of kidnapping in Bassa Local Government, Plateau State Nigeria. ii.To assess the factors responsible for kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria. iii.To investigate the effect of kidnapping on the socio-economic development of Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria. iv.To ascertain government and security agencies response to kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria. 1.5 Significance of the study The issue of kidnapping could be relatively new to Nigeria compared to other countries. This therefore poses a great challenge to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in its combating of crime and maintaining national security. This paper therefore will be beneficial to the government of Nigeria in putting in place machineries to fight against this menace. It will also be beneficial to security agencies who are directly or indirectly involved in curbing the problem of kidnapping in the country.          This study will also add to the existing literature and body of knowledge on the topical issue of kidnapping as it relates to the issue of national security especially in Nigeria. It will also be a reference material for subsequent research work. 1.6 Scope of the study Generally, the study focuses on kidnapping in plateau state: a case study of Bassa local government area. Empirically, the study will examine the prevalence of kidnapping in Bassa Local Government, Plateau State Nigeria, assess the factors responsible for kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria, investigate the effect of kidnapping on the socio-economic development of Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria and ascertain government and security agencies response to kidnapping in Bassa local government area, Plateau Nigeria. 1.7 Research Methodology Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles. 1.8 Definition of terms Kidnapping: The illegal act of forcefully capturing, detaining, and holding an individual against their will, often for ransom or other demands, with the intention of extracting concessions, financial gain, or exerting control over the victim. Plateau State: A state located in the central region of Nigeria, known for its diverse ethnic groups, scenic landscapes, and agricultural activities. Its capital is Jos. Bassa Local Government Area: One of the local government areas (LGAs) in Plateau State, Nigeria. It encompasses a specific geographical area within Plateau State and is governed by local administrative authorities.