The Plague Of Kidnaping In Nigeria From The Concave And Convex Of The Sociological Lens

Abstract

This paper examines the upsurge in kidnapping as a new dimension of criminal activity in Nigeria; it traced the root of kidnapping to the agitation of resource control by Niger Delta youths, identifies the categories of people mostly affected by this social malady and exposes the etiology of kidnapping in the country. It maintained that kidnapping in Nigeria is an offshoot of the defective capitalist economy adopted by the country and the rising unemployment rate among the youths. The paper submits that if kidnapping is not properly handled, it will assuredly threaten the corporate existence of Nigeria and portend grave dangers for national security. This study used a secondary method of data collection. The available literature on the subject matter of study was used. Suggestions have been put forward on how this undulating crime should be tackled. The work recommends among other various recommendations that government efforts should be accentuated in coming up with policies that will attract both local and foreign investors which will create employment opportunities for youths, particularly the vulnerable ones. It is also the position of the paper that kidnapping can be nipped in the bud through the restructuring of the economy and curtailing corruption in the country rather than the use of capital punishment and force by law enforcement agencies.