Kidnapping and Socio-Economic Development in Rivers State between 2009-2019

Abstract

Socio-economic processes and developmental aspirations of a country or region are usually challenged by a myriad of criminal and conflict-ridden activities, especially in 3 rd world countries of Africa and particularly in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. This paper examines kidnapping and socio-economic development of Rivers State, between 2009-2019. The paper adopted the structural-choice theory as its theoretical foundation. The design of the paper is based on the survey research design; as such data was generated quantitatively via the use of a 4 point likert scale questionnaire administered on 400 respondents which represented the sample size of the study. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamene formula. Additional data which supplemented those generated via the questionnaire was gotten through interviews and other textual materials. The study was guide by a single hypothesis which was tested using a chi-square(x 2 ) at a critical value of 5% (0.05) level of significance while data was analyzed using the simple percentage statistical method. The paper revealed that there is a strong relationship between kidnapping and socio-economic development in Rivers State between, 2009-2019. Accordingly, the paper recommends amongst others; government should put mechanisms in place that will engage the youths in compulsory education and skills acquisition while social infrastructural facilities be maintained to improve human capital index and also assist in wealth creation.