Kidnapping and Policy Inefficiency on Kidnapping Cases: A Study of Ondo State, Nigeria.

Technically, public policy is a primary political instrument. The inefficiency of the security policy has made it terribly fail in ensuring desirable internal security administration in Nigeria. In Ondo State, there is rampant kidnapping particularly in Akoko axis, including kidnapping/killing of Monarchs, creating immense fear and challenging traditional authority. The criminal gangs often kidnappers, bandits or herders use the terrain for ambushes and establishing camps which in turn deeply impact communities, disrupting farming which is a key sector in Ondo state, scare away investors, cripple tourism and force businesses to close thereby stalling Ondo development. Therefore, the paper examined kidnapping and policy inefficiency in kidnapping cases with a focus on Ondo State, in southwest Nigeria. The uprising kidnapping in Nigeria is calling for urgent attention. Despite the incessant kidnapping crime in Nigeria, there is no policy efficiency to reduce, end or ameliorate the problem in Nigeria even though there is a provision for it within Nigeria’s legal framework. This study employs qualitative method and utilised secondary data sourced from books, journal articles, magazines, published reports, newspaper articles, and relevant Internet materials. However, the paper discovered that kidnapping and policy inefficiency on kidnapping cases and in addressing the menace in Nigeria are major impediments to security, economy and human development. The paper concludes that to reduce and ameliorate kidnapping, the government at all levels should collaborate and engage with experts to train stakeholders who could help to ensure the realisation of the security policies of the government, especially on kidnapping. The paper also advocated that it is necessary and high time kidnapping victims’ right within the state’s administration of criminal justice be recognised and legislated upon. It is pertinent that the government should provide a tending environment that propagates, strengthens and supports policy efficiency in addressing kidnapping cases to achieve economic growth, human development, and good governance and reduce incessant kidnapping.