Psychological Impact Of Kidnapping On Social Reintegration And Academic Pursuits Of Female Undergraduates In Zamfara State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22515/ajpc.v6i1.9494Keywords:
academic pursuits, female undergratude students, psychological impact of kidnapping, social reintegrationAbstract
Kidnapping and banditry have become pervasive in northern Nigeria, severely disrupting the lives of vulnerable communities including students in both pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions, particularly Zamfara State. However, research on their psychological impact on female undergraduate students is lacking. To fill this gap, this study investigated the psychological impact of kidnapping on female undergraduate students in Zamfara State, focusing on their social reintegration and academic pursuits. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Seven female undergraduates of Federal University Gusau who had recently been released after prolonged captivity participated in the study. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used to select participants based on availability, willingness, and ability to provide detailed accounts. Data was collected through structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed profound psychological trauma, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Social reintegration challenges found in the study include stigmatization and alienation, while academic difficulties involve concentration, memory issues, and decreased motivation. The study recommends implementing comprehensive psychological support programs within educational institutions located in high-risk locations like Zamfara State, including professional counseling and peer support groups, to address the long-term psychological effects and facilitate better social and academic reintegration of the victims.
Downloads
References
Abdulyakeen, A., & Mumuni, N. A. (2024). Impact Of Armed Banditry And Kidnapping On Rural Women Livelihood In North Western Nigeria. African Journal Of Politics And Administrative Studies (AJPAS), 17(1), 446–476. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajpas.v17i1.22
Adamu, B., Rashidu, N., & Andil, G. J. (2022). Kidnapping As A Societal Problem: Implications For Education System In Kaduna State. Journal Of Pedagogical Research (JPR), 1(2).
AFu, M. O., Oguche, T. E., Sammani, U. Z., & Baba, G. (2023). Relationship Between Insecurity, Depression And Students Academic Achievement In Nigeria: Implication For Guidance. International Journal Of Education And National Development, 1(3), 54–74.
Akpan, U. G. (2019). Kidnapping And The Menace Of Insecurity In Nigeria. Journal Of African Studies And Development, 11(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5897/JASD2018.0531
Aloku, C. O., & Atafo, D. (2022). Influence Of Kidnapping On The Psychological Distress Of Residents In Kaduna Metropolis. American Journal Of Psychology, 4(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajp.1214
Amechiokeke-Ezeanyanwu, J., Ugwuogo, F., & Ukamaka, N. P. (2024). Facebook Form Of Social Media And Kidnapping Form Of Insecurity As Correlate Of Academic Achievement Of Business Education Students In Public Universities In South East, Nigeria. Multidisciplinary Journal Of Vocational Education & Research, 6(1), 51–62.
Amnesty International. (2020). Responding To Crisis: Human Rights In The Age Of COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org website: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/04/americas-human-rights-in-the-age-of-covid19-entry/
Angbulu, S., Sanusi, A., Tolu-Kolawole, D., Altine, M., & Isenyo, G. (2023). Security Forces Rescue 14 Students Abducted In Nigeria’s Zamfara State. Retrieved from PUNCH Newspaper website: https://punchng.com/security-forces-rescue-14-students-abducted-in-nigerias-zamfara-state/
Ayuba, I. H., Maduagwu, B. C., & Abdullahi, B. S. (2022). Impact Of Undiagnosed Trauma On Academic Adjustment Of Undergraduates In Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria: Implications For Trauma-Informed Education. Journal Of Professional Counseling, 5(2), 262–269.
Biddle, B. J. (1986). Recent Developments In Role Theory. Annual Review Of Sociology, 12, 67–92. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.so.12.080186.000435
Birt, L., Scott, S., Cavers, D., Campbell, C., & Walter, F. (2016). Member Checking: A Tool To Enhance Trustworthiness Or Merely A Nod To Validation? Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1802–1811. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732316654870
Boyraz, G., Granda, R., Baker, A., Tidwell, L. L., & Waits, J. B. (2016). Posttraumatic Stress, Effort Regulation, And Academic Outcomes Among College Students: A Longitudinal Study. Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 63(4), 475-486. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000137
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide For Beginners. Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-Analysis Of Risk Factors For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Trauma-Exposed Adults. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748–766. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.5.748
Chukwuzuluoke, I. C., Nnamdi, O., E., O. I., Ogechukwu, O., & Obikeze, N. A. (2021). School Insecurity And Students Academic Engagement In Nigeria Public University. COOU Journal Of Educational Research, 6(2), 19–24.
Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Treating Trauma And Traumatic Grief In Children And Adolescents. New York, New York, United States: Guilford Press.
Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (2009). Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide. New York, United States: The Guilford Press.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative And Mixed Methods Approaches (6th Ed). Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Dami, C. D. (2021). Impact Of Terrorism, Banditry And Kidnapping On Human Security In Nigeria. Saudi Journal Of Humanities And Social Sciences, 6(8), 299–305. https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2021.v06i08.006
Doyle, S. (2007). Member Checking With Older Women: A Framework For Negotiating Meaning. Health Care For Women International, 28(10), 888–908. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399330701615325
Ede, M. O. (2021). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Kidnapping Victims In Nigeria. Journal Of Traumatic Stress Disorders & Treatment, 10(3), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00532-4
Fallot, R. D., & Harris, M. (2009). Creating Cultures Of Trauma-Informed Care (CCTIC): A Self-Assessment And Planning Protocol. Community Connections.
Global Terrorism Index. (2019). Global Terrorism Index 2019: Measuring The Impact Of Terrorism. Institute For Economics And Peace. Retrieved from https://www.visionofhumanity.org website: https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GTI-2019-web.pdf
Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma And Recovery: The Aftermath Of Violence—From Domestic Abuse To Political Terror. New York City: Basic Books.
Human Rights Watch. (2020). World Report 2020: Events Of 2019. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org website: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020
ICIR. (2023). Nigerian Army Rescues Four Students Abducted From Federal University Gusau. Retrieved from The ICIR website: https://www.icirnigeria.org/nigerian-army-rescues-four-students-abducted-from-federal-university-gusau/
Idowu, O. M., & Eze, I. N. (2024). Impact Of Banditry, Kidnapping And Terrorism On School Administration, Teachers’ Job Performance, And Students’ Academic Performance And Enrollment In Educational Institutions In Nigeria. American Journal Of Integrated STEM Education, 1(1), 1–15.
International Crisis Group. (2021). CrisisWatch: Monthly CrisisWatch. Retrieved from https://www.crisisgroup.org website: https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch
Isma’il, A., & Abdullahi, H. A. (2023). Leveraging STEM Education Beyond The Classroom To Combat Banditry In Zamfara State, Nigeria. Cross-Currents: An International Peer-Reviewed Journal On Humanities & Social Sciences, 9(8), 138-144. https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijhss.2023.v09i08.003
Ismaila, B. A., Ibrahim, N. I., & Mohammed, I. (2022). Education And Security Challenges In Nigeria: Implication For Education For All. Journal Of Pedagogical Research (JPR), 1(2).
Jacob, O. N., Okwelogu, I. S., Enyinnaya, E. J., & Mohammed, Y. D. (2021). Academic Staff Of Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria And The Problem Of Insecurity. Middle European Scientific Bulletin, 18, 206–217. https://doi.org/10.47494/mesb.v18i.871
Kanu, I. A., Paul, P. M., Bazza, M. B., Kamai, P. H., & Bakwaph, P. (2024). Educational Insecurity In Northwest Nigeria. International Journal Of Religion, 3538(7), 151–164. https://doi.org/10.61707/9zmetc45
Kums, S. N., & Kwede, C. I. (2023). Banditry And Gender-Based Violence In North-West Nigeria. Wukari International Studies Journal, 7(3), 200–216.
Lawal, G. L., Audu, A. R., & Isma’il, A. (2018a). Influence Of Posttraumatic Stress Reactions On Economic Activities Of Victims Of Cattle Rustling In Zamfara State, Nigeria. ATBU Journal Of Science, Technology & Education (JOSTE), 6(4), 64-73.
Lawal, G. L., Isma’il, A., & Audu, A. R. (2018b). Gender, Education And Post-Traumatic Reactions Of Victims Of Cattle Rustling In Zamfara State, Nigeria. IRA International Journal Of Education And Multidisciplinary Studies, 13(2), 13-18. http://dx.doi.org.10.21013.jems.v13.n2.INF2
Maruna, S., & Lebel, T. P. (2003). Welcome Home? Examining The Reentry Court Concept From A Strengths-Based Perspective. Western Criminology Review, 4(2), 91–107.
Moustakas, C. E. (1994). Phenomenological Research Methods. Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE Publications, Ltd.
Muhammad, H. M., & Salihu, Y. (2023). Impact Of Banditry On Academic Adjustment Among Senior Secondary School Students In Munya Local Government Area Of Niger State. International Journal Of Innovative Psychology & Social Development, 11(3), 1–8.
Muhammad, N. A., Abdulmalik, I., & Jobe, A. A. (2023). Psychological Effects Of Kidnapping And Banditry On Teaching And Learning In Tertiary Institutions In The North-West Region Of Nigeria. International Journal Of Scientific Research In Education, 16(1), 1–13.
Mustapha, A. (2021). The Causes And Consequences Of Armed Banditry, Kidnapping, And Cattle Rustling In Some Selected Communities In Zamfara State. Bakolori Journal Of General Studies, 12(2), 3604–3629.
Offor, U. I., Chukwuemeka, O., & Nwaru, P. (2023). Challenges And Solutions Of Insecurity On Academic Performance Of Undergraduates In Public Universities In South East Geopolitical Zone: Implications For Societal Development. Unizik Journal Of Educational Research And Policy Studies, 15(1), 175–186.
Ogunode, N. J., Ayeni, E. O., & Olorundare, A. S. (2024). Roles Of Tertiary Institutions In Curbing Banditry, Kidnapping, And Terrorism In Nigeria. International Journal Of Sharia Economics And Financial Literacy, 1(1), 19–34.
Okanezi, B., & Ogeh, O. W. M. (2023). Insecurity In Northern Nigeria And Its Impact On The Education Of The Populace. International Journal Of Advances In Engineering And Management, 5(3), 1889–1894. https://doi.org/10.35629/5252-050318891894
Okoye, U. P., & Nwaka-nwandu, O. (2023). Effect Of Banditry And Kidnapping On The Development Of Selected Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria. International Journal Of Research And Innovation In Social Science (IJRISS), VII(V), 774–796. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Olulowo, S. A., Babawale, S. T., & Anani, K. M. (2021). An Examination Of The Causes Of Kidnapping And Its Attendant Challenges In Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal Of Religion And Human Relations, 13(1), 133–171. https://doi.org/10.4314/jrhr.v13i1.7
Olumide, O. A., & Adebayo, O. T. (2020). The Psychological Impacts Of Kidnapping On Nigerian Women. International Journal Of Psychology And Behavioral Sciences, 15(1), 23-34. https://doi.org/10.15640/ijpbs.v15n1a3
Omuya, M. S. (2023). Effect Of Armed Banditry And Insecurity On Nigeria’s Educational System. Lapai Journal Of Humanities, 14(2), 44–57.
Onyemelukwe, I. A. (2020). Mental Health Needs In Conflict-Affected Regions: A Case Study Of Nigeria. Journal Of Conflict Resolution And Peace Studies, 7(2), 112-125. https://doi.org/10.5897/JCRPS2020.0023
Osimen, G. U., & Daudu, B. O. (2022). Armed Banditry And Mass School Abductions In Northern Nigeria: Implications For National Security. Canadian Academy Of Oriental And Occidental Culture, 18(4), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.3968/12641
Owagbemi, G. O., & Olaseinde, O. S. (2021). The Perception And Measures Towards Curbing Kidnapping In Ondo State, Nigeria. International Journal Of Humanities Social Sciences And Education (IJHSSE), 8(8), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.20431/2349-0381.0808004
Premium Times. (2023). Terrorists Abduct Female University Students In Fresh Attack In Zamfara. Retrieved from Premium Times website: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/531855-terrorists-abduct-female-university-students-in-fresh-attack-in-zamfara.html
Premium Times. (2024). Terrorists Release 23 Zamfara University Students, Staff Seven Months After Abduction. Retrieved from Premium Times website: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/554728-terrorists-release-23-zamfara-university-students-staff-seven-months-after-abduction.html
Pynoos, R. S., Steinberg, A. M., & Wraith, R. (1996). A Developmental Model Of Childhood Traumatic Stress. In D. Cicchetti & S. L. Toth (Eds.), Rochester Symposium On Developmental Psychopathology (Vol. 7, pp. 72–95). Rochester, New York, United States: University of Rochester Press.
Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive Processing Therapy For PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual. New York, New York, United States: Guilford Publications.
Ronke, A. G., & Benjamin, O. (2024). Psycho-Social Analysis Of Kidnapping In Nigeria: Implications For Rural Children. Journal Of Integrated Sciences, February, 74–93.
Rosenje, M. O., Soluade, Z. O., Olatoye, O. A., Peju-rosenje, T. O., & Adeniyi, O. P. (2022). Armed Banditry And The Collapse Of Education In Northwest Nigeria. Journal Of Lexicography And Terminology, 6(2), 94–115.
Ruwah, A. M., Faruk, K., & Tambuwal, N. A. (2023). Banditry Lucrative Industry That Leads To The Decline Of Basic Education In Nigeria: A Philosophical Perspective. Journal Of Educational Studies, Trends And Practice, 27(8), 87–108.
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, And Procedures. New York, New York, United States: Guilford Press.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA's Concept Of Trauma And Guidance For A Trauma-Informed Approach. U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services.
Tanimu, A. (2023). Effect Of Solution Focused Brief Technique On Depression Among Student-Victims Of Armed Banditry In Secondary Schools In Kaduna State, Nigeria. Prestige Journal Of Counselling Psychology, 6(2), 38–46.
Toluhi, J. O. (2021). Tertiary Institution Students And Crime Incidents In Kogi State Nigeria: An Empirical Insight. KIU Interdisciplinary Journal Of Humanities And Social Sciences, 2(2), 195–208.
Umar, A. H., Aliyu, I., & Hamza, J. M. (2022). The Roles Of Librarians And Counselors In The Rehabilitation Of Kidnapped Victims In Higher Institutions Of Learning In Kaduna State, Nigeria. International Research Journal Of Modernization In Engineering Technology And Science, 04(08), 309–316.
Umar, G. (2022). Impact Of Kidnapping Of Students And Staff On Academic Activities In Nigeria’s Institutions Of Learning. Zamfara Journal Of Politics And Development, 3(1), 1–8.
Usman, H. (2024). Overview Of The Perceived Influence Of Insecurity On Academic Performance In Front Lines Local Government Secondary Schools In Niger State, Nigeria. International Journal Of Professional Development, Learners And Learning, 6(1), Einf2407. https://doi.org/10.30935/ijpdll/14475
Verjee, A., & Kwaja, C. M. A. (2021). At-Issue An Epidemic Of Kidnapping: Interpreting School Abductions And Insecurity In Nigeria. African Studies Quarterly, 20(3), 87-105.
Yakasai, B. A., Ayinla, H., & Yakasai, H. B. (2022). Psychological Impact Of Kidnapping On Mental Health And Well-Being Of Abductees: A Study Of Abducted School Children In Kaduna State, Nigeria. Acta Scientific Women’s Health, 4(12), 8–19. https://actascientific.com/ASWH/ASWH-04-0443.php
Yohana, C., Joel, M. H., Ahmad, A., & Saudia, S. (2023). Effect Of Insecurity On Educational Activities In Niger State, Nigeria: A Situational Appraisal. Journal Of Political Discourse, 1(4), 103–112.
Yunusa, S., Akinwumi, O., Shittu, H. B., Adekola, N., Akinsanya, I. A., & Raymond, Y. O. (2022). Disruption Of Social Lifestyles And Prevalence Of Informal Security Groups: Evidence Of Kidnapping And Banditry On Human Security In Southwest, Nigeria. Journal Of Research In Humanities And Social Science, 10(8), 104–111.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Akilu Isma'il, Halimat Bashir Ibrahim

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.