Kidnapping in Communities Adjoining Conserved Areas: The Case of Pandam Wildlife Park and Namu (Jepjan)

Abstract

The insecurity arising from kidnapping in communities adjoining forest reserves necessitated this study. Namu community, which has become a local business hub, has suffered from arm robbery and kidnapping in recent years. Information acquired includes conditions making the target suitable for kidnapping, like occupation, timing for kidnapping,

mode of transportation and torture, major reasons for kidnapping and financial status making victims have high kidnap ransom value. The snowball sampling technique was used, and it linked victims affected since the community is clustered. To get the needed information, twenty-five victims of kidnapping and hunters were administered a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics like the frequency and percentages were used, while the correlation coefficient was used for inference. Results indicated that businessmen (64%) are mostly targeted. The most exploited time for kidnapping is from 7pm - 9pm (72%), and victims are mostly held hostage for about 1-3 days (68%). The most used mode of transportation is foot/motorcycle (88%), and beating was the dominant mode of torture (76%). Respondents indicated that unemployment (44%) is the major reason for kidnapping. It was realized that financial consideration is major in making one a target, and kidnap ransom value determines the amount demanded and ransom paid. Therefore, the correlation coefficient established that positive relationship with a significant level (p-value=0.013) at 0.05 alpha level. Recommendations made include hybridization of security forces; use of geospatial techniques; improved tracking devices and database creation for citizens; entrepreneurial skills in education curriculum; awareness by non-governmental organizations; and responsible children upbringing with high moral values for a secured society.