Community Based Security and Curbing of Kidnapping in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria
*1Zabur Olayiwola Soluade, 2Adedayo Oyewole Sofadekan and 3Taiwo Babatunde Badmus
*1,2&3College of Social and Management Sciences, Department of Sociological Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. Email: Soluadeola@gmail.com; soluadezo@tasued.edu.ng1 & sofadekanao@tasued.edu.ng2
Abstract
This research explores the impact of community-focused security measures on reducing kidnapping incidents in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. Kidnapping poses a serious threat to public safety and economic well-being, especially in rural regions like Oke-Ogun, where insufficient security infrastructure and extensive unmonitored areas worsen the situation. Despite various initiatives by law enforcement, instances of kidnapping continue to increase, highlighting the necessity for alternative security strategies. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based security in lowering kidnapping rates in the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 126 participants chosen through stratified random sampling from various towns within Oke-Ogun. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire to gauge local perceptions regarding community-based security initiatives, including vigilante groups, neighborhood watch programs, and partnerships with formal security agencies. The data was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean values. The study identified the primary factors contributing to kidnapping in Oke-Ogun as weak law enforcement, insufficient security, unemployment, and poverty. Furthermore, it highlighted challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient training, and poor collaboration with formal security entities. The results indicate that community-based security, when adequately supported and coordinated, has the capacity to significantly decrease the occurrence of kidnappings in Oke-Ogun. The study advocates for strengthening law enforcement presence, enhancing community engagement initiatives, addressing socioeconomic issues like unemployment and poverty, and increasing public awareness regarding security practices.
Keywords
Community, community-based security, security, curbing, kidnapping
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