Impact of Armed Banditry and Kidnapping on Rural Women Livelihood in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

The primary responsibility of every government based on Thomas Hobbes social contract theory,
is among other things, protection of lives and property of its citizens. However, in Northwestern
Nigeria, the security of life and property of a common man is becoming a mirage. The region is
presently affected by banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping. This affects mainly the eight
frontline Local Government Areas (LGAs) namely Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara,
Faskari, Dandume and Sabuwa of Katsina state. Anka, Maradun, Maru Shinkafi, Tsafe and
Zurmi of Zamfara state and Chikun , Kajuru, Kachia, Zangon-Kataf, Kauru, Lere, Birnin-Gwari,
Giwas of Kaduna state . While there is a consensus among scholars of the devastating effects of
the conflicts, only a few studies have looked at the impact of the conflict on women and sought
to explain how women are the biggest victims. Therefore, this attempt bridges the gap in
literature. The study adopts the frustration-aggression theory as its theoretical framework. Survey
design and structured questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussion were used as
an instrument for the collection of data. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive analysis
and inferential statistics while qualitative data generated from the in-depth interview were
analyzed by using transcribed information. After careful analysis and interpretation of the data
collected, it was found that women are the biggest victims of the conflict which government need
to step up efforts to address the menace. Finding also reveals that, the conflicts have impacted
negatively on Political and socio- economic development in the frontline Local Government
Areas (LGAs). The paper concluded that protection of women against all violence is the
responsibility of all. Therefore, there is need to urgently device new strategies in confronting the
bandits and ending banditry in Katsina state. This is important considering the fact that the
bandits still carry out attacks in the region despite the presence of the troops.