KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM AND THE FUNDING OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The state of insecurity in Nigeria occasioned by the unabated kidnapping for ransom is worrisome and horrendous. Kidnapped victims and their relatives are compelled to pay ransom or face gruesome murder of victims without much resistance from the government. The aim of this study was to examine the absurdity involved in ransom payment and the funding of insecurity in Nigeria in the light of Albert Camus’ existential absurdity. The objectives of the study were to analyse and interpret ransom payments as an absurdity in the light of Albert Camus’ existential thought, advocate a mechanism to highlight this absurdity and support an intellectual rather than an emotional approach to resolving kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria.

The study relied on primary data concerning kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, while Albert Camus’ existential thought on absurdity and the quest for meaningful human existence was explored. Data of kidnapped victims were obtained from the criminal reports of Abraka Divisional Police Station, Delta State, indicating that twenty-four persons were kidnapped in the region between 2020-2021. The researcher had access to twelve of the kidnapped victims (nine males and three females). Data were collected through semi-unstructured interviews held with twelve kidnapped victims about their experiences. Data were then analysed using thematic method of analysis. The result exposed the fact that emotions determine how people respond to ransom payments than a rational approach.

The study found that there is an absurdity in ransom payments to kidnappers as these contribute to the insecurity situation of the country, and encourages kidnappers to perpetuate their crimes. Emotions play a significant role in ransom payments and encourages the vicious circle of absurdity identified in Albert Camus’ philosophy of absurdity.