ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING ON PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH OF VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA STATE
1 Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education Faculty of Education Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria
2 Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: usmanbello@abueducationjournals.com
2 Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: usmanbello@abueducationjournals.com
Abstract
The prevalence of banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State has significantly influenced the psychosocial
well-being of households. This study investigated the psychological impact of banditry and kidnapping on
individuals' mental well-being in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with data
collected from 402 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential
analyses were conducted. Utilizing a chi-square analysis, the research revealed a significant association
between exposure to these violent incidents and adverse mental health outcomes, Banditry and kidnapping
indices including depression, anxiety, and post-indices traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The calculated
chi-square value (X² = 1661.2) significantly exceeded the critical value (X²_crit = 51.0) at 36 degrees of
freedom, resulting in the rejection of the null hypotheses at a p-value of 0.000
Keywords
Banditry
Kidnapping
Psychosocial Health
Mental Health
Zamfara State
References
- Abdullahi, A., Musa, I., & Bello, K. (2021). The economic and social effects of banditry in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Security Studies, 15(2), 112-130.
- Achankeng, F. (2020). Banditry and kidnapping in Africa: Causes, consequences and interventions. African Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 9(2), 78-95.
- Adams, K. A. (2020). Research methodology and sample size determination in social sciences. Journal of Research Methods, 12(3), 45-62.
- Audu, M. S., Ibrahim, L. A., & Garba, Y. (2021). Psychological trauma among internally displaced persons in Nigeria. Journal of Mental Health Research, 8(1), 45-62.
- Ewi, M., & Aning, K. (2021). Transnational crimes and terrorism in West Africa: Implications for regional security. West African Journal of Security Studies, 6(3), 145-168.
- Garcia, M., Fernandez, R., & Santos, L. (2019). Violent crimes and psychosocial consequences in Latin American communities. Journal of Traumatic Stress Studies, 27(4), 312-329.
- Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New Delhi: New Age International Publishers.
- Odeh, L. E., & Alabi, T. (2021). The impact of kidnapping on the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Journal of Security and Peace Studies, 6(4), 55-72.
- Okoli, A. C., & Ugwu, A. (2019). Terrorism and human security in Nigeria: A study of banditry and kidnapping. Journal of African Studies, 17(3), 89-105.
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2021). Global study on homicide 2021: Violent crimes and their impact on communities. Vienna: UNODC.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Mental health and psychosocial support in conflict-affected populations. Geneva: WHO Press.
- Yakasai, B. A., Musa, A. S., Abubakar, M., & Lawal, A. (2022). Psychological impact of kidnapping on mental health and well-being of abductees: A study of abducted school children in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Acta Scientific Women's Health, 4(12), 08-19.
How to Cite
BELLO, U., M, H. I., LAWAL, A., MIKAILU, H., & NDATETENGI, M. (2026). ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING ON PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH OF VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA STATE. Global Journal of Health Related Researches, 8(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.67203/gjhrr.2026.ogxo7ndh
U. BELLO, H. I. M, A. LAWAL, H. MIKAILU, and M. NDATETENGI, "ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING ON PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH OF VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA STATE," Global Journal of Health Related Researches, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 37-44, March 2026. doi: 10.67203/gjhrr.2026.ogxo7ndh