Kidnapping, also known as abduction can be described as the act of the unlawful capture and detention of a person or a group of persons against their will. Kidnapping can be targeted at individuals or at groups, sometimes, kidnappers hold their captives longer in order to demand more from the relatives of their victim. Kidnapping is not only a threat to the country’s security, but it also affects the social safety of individuals and their families in the society, hurting the individual’s physical, economic, social and psychological well-being.
Kidnapping is a punishable offense because, it involves the unlawful abduction and carrying away of a person or a group of people by force. Kidnapping for ransom, a criminal act involving the abduction of individuals for monetary or material gain has devastating negative impacts on the society.
Here are some of the major consequences:
1. Decreased Sense of Security: Kidnapping for ransom instills fear and uncertainty among the general public. The perception of personal safety diminishes as people become afraid of being targeted or having their loved ones taken hostage. This erodes trust and hampers social cohesion.
2. Economic Consequences: Kidnapping for ransom threatens economic stability. The fear created by these crimes discourages foreign investment and tourism, leading to a decline in business opportunities, job creation and overall economic growth. Additionally, ransoms paid by victims or their families further drain financial resources from the society.
3. Psychological Trauma: Victims of kidnapping for ransom face severe psychological impacts. They may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Families of victims also experience long-lasting emotional trauma, often leading to social isolation and ongoing distress.
4. Disruption of Social Order: Kidnapping for ransom undermines social order as it exploits vulnerabilities within communities. This criminal activity fosters a sense of lawlessness and encourages the proliferation of other crimes, such as organized crime networks involved in the kidnapping trade. Trust in law enforcement and judicial systems also weakens when perpetrators are not effectively brought to justice.
5. Brain Drain and Social Division: In regions where kidnapping for ransom is prevalent, professionals and skilled individuals may choose to leave, seeking safer environments. This exacerbates brain drain and hampers societal progress. Moreover, societal divisions may emerge between those who can afford protection or pay ransoms and those who cannot, further deepening socio-economic inequality.
6. Weakened Rule of Law: Kidnapping for ransom challenges the rule of law, as it directly challenges the state’s ability to protect its citizens. Governments are often criticized for their inability to effectively prevent and combat these crimes. The ensuing corruption and erosion of public trust in institutions weaken governance, perpetuating a cycle of lawlessness.
Lastly, efforts to combat kidnapping for ransom should focus not only on rescue operations and law enforcement but also on addressing the root causes such as; poverty, unemployment and social inequality among others. Similarly, strengthening the rule of law, promoting community engagement and providing support for victims and their families are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more resilient society.
– Abraham Achimugu writes from Abuja.
