EFFECTS OF KIDNAPPING ON VICTIMS’ EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CHIKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Kidnapping poses a significant threat to educational stability in Nigeria, particularly in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This qualitative study investigated the effects of kidnapping on the academic activities of victims and explores coping mechanisms employed by victims and their families. Data for the study were obtained from 20 IDI respondents made up of kidnap victims and their family members from six political wards of Chikun, Kujama, Rido, Kakau, Sabon-Gari and Kuriga. The study adopted the theory of social disorganization as its theoretical framework In-depth interviews with victims revealed that kidnapping disrupts educational continuity, leading to reduced school enrollment and academic performance. Ethnographic analysis highlighted the long-term psychological and socio-economic impacts on victims. The study recommends multifaceted interventions, including victim support and counseling programs, financial assistance for educational expenses, and community-based initiatives to mitigate the effects of kidnapping. It stressed the need for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to emplace targeted support mechanisms to ensure educational continuity and resilience among kidnap victims.