Insecurity and Kidnapping in Southwest Nigeria: Humanitarian Concerns in the 21st Century.

Abstract

This research examines insecurity and kidnapping in Southwest Nigeria and humanitarian concerns in the 21st century. Southwest used to be among Nigeria’s peaceful region but in recent times it has not been spared from insecurity and kidnapping. Insecurity is a daily menace to human survival in terms of trade and industry growth. Insecurity in Nigeria gives rise to the damage to existing material goods as well as human lives thereby making people relocate and closure of businesses. Insecurity is a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria that threatens the well-being of its citizens; because they lack protection and safety. Kidnapping, on the other hand, is an unlawful crime, whereby force is used to capture people to an unknown destination against their wish, in payment of ransom before they are released. There are daily reports of kidnapping in various parts of the world today, kidnapping for ransom, has become a common occurrence. It is a known fact that the geographical spread of kidnapping is global. The objectives are causes of kidnapping and humanitarian concerns to curb this menace. Existing literature will be used for this study. Kidnapping in Nigeria today, cuts across demographic and geographic boundaries between states. Kidnapping in Nigeria is a21st-centuryhumanitarian concern. All hands must be on deck to curb this menace, humanitarian agencies, security agencies and government policies.This study recommends that the government should invest in an early warning system in the South Western States of Nigeria, to reduce poverty, and unemployment, and effectively monitor and secure all borders to reduce insecurity and kidnapping.