Kidnapping and Victimization Experiences Among Commuters on the Ado-Akure Federal Road: Implications for Public Safety and Transportation Security in Nigeria (Published)
Kidnapping has become a rampant and disturbing issue in Nigeria, especially along major transportation routes, creating lasting physical, psychological, and emotional consequences for victims. This study examines the experiences of kidnapping and victimization among commuters on the Ado-Akure Federal Road, exploring the dynamics of the crime, the tactics employed by kidnappers, and the profound impact on victims. Employing a qualitative approach, the study gathers primary data through in-depth interviews with victims and key informants to understand the lived experiences of those affected. The findings reveal the brutal methods used by kidnappers, including violent attacks, emotional manipulation, and the creation of an atmosphere of constant fear. Victims shared their traumatic experiences, recounting incidents of physical abuse, witnessing executions, and enduring sexual violence, with particular emphasis on the experiences of female commuters. Additionally, the study highlights the deep psychological toll on victims, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, and a general mistrust of others. The research underscores the critical need for effective interventions to address the increasing prevalence of kidnapping and victimization. Policy recommendations include strengthening security along critical transportation routes, improving legal responses to kidnapping, and establishing comprehensive victim support systems, including psychological counseling. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the rising insecurity in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the experiences of victims of kidnapping, and advocates for a more victim-centered approach to policy formulation and implementation in order to enhance public safety and national security.
Keywords: Insecurity, Victimization, commuters, kidnapping, psychological trauma, public safety, ransom
Gender And Violence against Women in Nigeria: A Socio-Psychological Perspectives (Published)
Socially division of human being into male or female is gender. Therefore, gender is about men and women. Unfortunately, gender differentiation is very common in a patriarchal set up where one group of people feels superior while the other is deemed inferior, anatomically weak and subordinate. However, the term itself is quite controversial, especially among peace and conflict managers. This paper therefore, examines gender issues and violence, such as sexual harassment, forceful marriage, women genital mutilation, trafficking in women, physical torture, discriminating, etc., against women in Nigeria in general and particularly Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted qualitative research and documentary method of data collection. Its revealed that, their families and friends may be affected in the case of intimate partner violence, there is increasing evidence of the negative impact on children of exposure to violence in the family. Society suffers economically, both in the use of resources and in the loss of productivity due to fear and injury. It recommended among others that government should organize workshops and seminars in both urban and rural areas. Also non-governmental organizations should make wider their sensitization projects to the rural areas through electronic and print media. to ensure that the awareness of violence against women permeates the grassroots, and endeavour to work with Ministry of Social Welfare and Woman Affairs.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Gender, Personality Traits, Social Learning, Trafficking, Victimization