The impact of unemployment on the rise of banditry and kidnapping in Osun State, Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v11i2.3202

Keywords:

Unemployment, Banditry, Kidnapping, Poverty, Osun State

Abstract

The rise of banditry and kidnapping in Osun State in recent time is worrisome. The paper assesses socio-economic factors that contribute to banditry and kidnapping; it examines the socio-economic factor that is most influential in driving individuals towards banditry and kidnapping as a result of unemployment. A descriptive survey design was employed. The population of study consists of okada riders, civil servants, motorists, and traders residing in Osun State. A sample of 220 respondents was randomly selected. Data collected were analysed using percentages and ANOVA. The study reveals lack of access to education and skill development opportunities as the most influential factor to banditry and kidnapping. The study found that there is a significant relationship between unemployment rates and the incidence of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that governments at all levels, including private organisations and individuals, should be proactive in addressing the identified socio-economic factors.

Author Biography

Segun Lakin Oderinde, Universidad Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

0000-0002-3572-8363; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. oderindesegun@yahoo.com

References

Abdulkabir, O. S. (2017). Causes and incisive solutions to the widespread of kidnapping in Nigeria current administration: Under scholastic scrutiny. Journal of Political Sciences and Public Affairs. 5(2), 23320761.

Abraham, J. (2023). Gunmen kill 29 in Plateau villages. 16th May 2023https://punchng.com/gunmen-kill-29-in-plateau-villages/

Achumba, I. C., Ighomereho, O. S. & Akpor-Rabaro, M. O. M. (2013). Security challenges in Nigeria and the implications for business activities and sustainable development. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 4(2), 79-99.

Adagba, O., Ugwu, S. C., & Eme, O. I. (2012). Activities of Boko Haram and Insecurity Question in Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 1(9), 77-99.

Adegoke, S. G. (2019). Insurgency, armed banditry and corruption in Nigeria: The bane of socio-economic underdevelopment. International Journal of Advanced Academic Studies, 2(1), 17-26.

Ajaegbu, O. O. (2012). Rising Youth Unemployment and Violent Crimes in Nigeria. America Journal of Social Issues and Humanities, 2(5), 315-321.

Ajufo, B. I. (2013). Challenges of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria: Effective Career Guidance a Panacea. An International Multidisciplinary Journal, Ethiopia, 7(1), 307-321.

Asuquo, M. E. (2009). The Upsurge of Kidnapping and Its Influence on Public Order in Akwa Ibom State. Term Paper presented in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State- Nigeria.

Bamigbola, B. (2023, November 21).Gunmen kidnap Osun nurse, demand N10m ransom. The Punch Newspaper.

BLG. (2012). Economic Note: The Nigeria’s Paradox of Growth Amidst High Poverty Incidence. Retrieved from www.bglgroup.com

Chetty, R., & Raghunadan, R. (2016). Fertility response to a toxic shock: Evidence from the 2008 economic crisis in South Africa. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 8(1), 221-258.

Egbegi, F. R., Ajah, B. O., & Ogbonnaya C. (2018). Combating boko haram insurgency through a superior ideology: the role of the federal government. European Journal of Political Science Studies, 1(2), 13-22

Egwu, S. (2016). The political economy of rural banditry in contemporary Nigeria. In Kuna, M.J and Ibrahim, J (eds.). Rural banditry and conflicts in northern Nigeria, Abuja: Centre for Democracy and Development.

Emejulu, G. (2014). Rising Youth unemployment and Violent Crime in Nigeria: for Economic Development. An Unpublished Ph.D Similar Paper, Development of business Administration, faculty of Management Sciences Anambra State University Igbariam Campus.

Ezediuno, F. (2023, August 23). The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has confirmed the kidnapping of six persons in Oyan town by unknown gunmen. The Daily Post.

Ezie, O. (2012). Youth Unemployment and its Socio-Economic implications in Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences and Public Policy, 4, 47-59.

Fajana, S. (2000). Functioning of the Nigerian Labour Market. Labountin and Company, Lagos: Labour House.

Imhonopi, D., & Urim, M. U. (2016). The spectre of terrorism and Nigeria’s industrial development: a multi-stakeholder imperative. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies: AJCJS, 9(1), .https://www.umes.edu/uploadedFiles/websites/AJCJS/Content/vol 9.%20 imhonopi%20%20 final.pdf.

Kilishi, A. A., Mobolaji, H. I., Usman, A., Yakubu, A. T., Yaru, M. A. (2014). The effect of unemployment on crime in Nigeria: A panel data analysis. British Journal of Economics, Management and Trade, 4(6), 880-895.

Mustapha, U. N. (2019). Armed banditry and internal security in Zamfara State. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 10(8), 1219-1226.

Mustard, D. B. (2010). How do labor markets affect crime? New evidence on an old puzzle. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 92(1), 1-16.

National Bureau of Statistics (2009). Social Statistics in Nigeria. Abuja: The NBS publication. Retrieved from www. Nigerian Stat. Gov. ng.

National Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Statistical report on unemployment. Retrieved from http://nigerianstat.goving/elibrary.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2012). The Nigerian poverty profile 2010 report (pp.12-14). Abuja: National Bureau of Statistics.

Obijiofor, L. (2019, September 3). “The lucrative Job misnamed kidnapping” Daily Sun, p. 48

Ogundapo, A. (2023, January 17). Kidnappers have seized three members of a Baptist Church in Iwo sent to deliver ransom for the release of two members of the church with the kidnappers. Premium Times.

Ogunyoni, P. O. & Oginni, O. B. (2013). Youth Self-reliance Programmes and Unemployment Challenges in a development Economic: A Nigeria Case. Global Business and Economic Research Journal, 2(3), 11-25.

Okafor, E. E. (2011). Youth Unemployment and Implications for stability of Development In Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 13(1), ISSN: 1520-5509.

Olaniyan, A. & Yahaya, A. (2016). Cows, bandits, and violent conflicts: Understanding cattle rustling in northern Nigeria. Africa Spectrum, 51(3), 93-105.

Rosenje, M. O. & Moliki, A. O. (2016). The effects of pervasive poverty on National security in Nigeria (2000-2014). Ago-Iwoye Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 5(1), 83-111.

Sanchi, I. D., Alhassan, Y. J., Ajibade, O. V., & Sabo, Y. A. (2022). Implications of Rural Banditry on Educational Development in Nigeria: A Critical Review. Direct Research Journal of Social Science and Educational Studies, 10(5), 77-87.

Sanusi, L. S. (2012). Beyond political Rhetoric: Investing in Youth as an Economic Strategy. Paper delivered at the 2012 Oxford Pan-African Conference. University of Oxford, UK.

Shalangwa, M. W. (2013). The nature and consequences of armed banditry in border communities of Adamawa State, Nigeria. M.Sc. thesis submitted to the School of Post-Graduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Suleiman, A. O. (2017). Thematic Appraisal on the impulsive upsurge of yahoo-yahoo in the 21st Century in Nigeria: Quranic standpoint.

The Punch Newspaper. (2023, January 23). Gunmen kidnap three in Osun, demand N5m.

Uzorma, P. N., & Nwanegbo-Ben, J. (2014). Challenges of hostage-taking and kidnapping in southeastern Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Literature, 2(6), 131-142.

Verwimp, P., Justino, P., & Bruck, T., (2019). The microeconomics of violent conflict, Journal of Development Economics, 141, 2019, 102297, ISSN 03043878, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2018.10.005.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-26

How to Cite

Oderinde, S. L. (2026). The impact of unemployment on the rise of banditry and kidnapping in Osun State, Nigeria. Diversitas Journal, 11(2), 0328–0399. https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v11i2.3202