Effect Of Kidnapping On Economic Activities In Okene Local Government, Kogi State

Abstract

This study examined the effect of kidnapping on economic activities in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria, against the backdrop of rising insecurity and its growing threat to livelihoods and local development. The study specifically sought to assess the extent to which kidnapping affects agricultural productivity, examine its impact on commercial and trading activities, and evaluate its effect on transportation services. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered, out of which 347 valid responses (90.4%) were used for analysis. The study adopted a quantitative approach using a Binary Logistic Regression (Logit) model to estimate the probability of economic disruption, with variables including frequency of kidnapping, proximity to hotspots, intensity of insecurity, family size, and household income. The findings reveal that kidnapping has a statistically significant effect on all three sectors. In agriculture, frequency of kidnapping (Exp(B) = 1.507, p < 0.05), proximity to hotspots (Exp(B) = 6.044, p < 0.05), and intensity of insecurity (Exp(B) = 8.671, p < 0.05) significantly increased the likelihood of disruption. In commerce, the effects were even stronger, with frequency (Exp(B) = 6.184, p < 0.05), proximity (Exp(B) = 11.485, p < 0.05), and intensity (Exp(B) = 208.721, p < 0.01) showing substantial impacts. Similarly, transportation was significantly affected, with frequency (Exp(B) = 4.754, p < 0.05), proximity (Exp(B) = 37.675, p < 0.01), and intensity (Exp(B) = 31.627, p < 0.01) greatly increasing the likelihood of disruption. The study concludes that kidnapping is a major constraint to economic activities in Okene LGA, primarily driven by both actual incidents and the intensity of perceived insecurity. It recommends targeted security interventions in identified hotspots, the creation of secure economic corridors to restore confidence in farming, trading, and transportation, and proactive measures to reduce the frequency of kidnapping through improved intelligence and coordinated security efforts.