Strategies for Mitigating the Effects of Kidnapping on Academic Performance of Students in North Central Kogi State, Nigeria Schools
Abstract
Kidnapping has emerged as one of the most significant security threats confronting educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly within the North Central region, where recurrent incidents of school-related abductions have disrupted teaching and learning. This study examined strategies for mitigating the effects of kidnapping on students' academic performance in North Central Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of kidnapping on academic performance, examined the psychological consequences of kidnapping threats on students, identified school-based mitigation strategies, evaluated community-based interventions and assessed government efforts toward protecting schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised students, teachers and school administrators drawn from selected secondary in North Central Kogi State. A sample of 570 respondents, consisting of 500 students, 50 teachers and 20 school administrators, was selected using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Strategies for Mitigating Kidnapping Effects on Academic Performance Questionnaire (SMKEAPQ), which was validated by experts and yielded a satisfactory reliability coefficient using Cronbach's Alpha. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that kidnapping and insecurity significantly disrupted students' academic performance through increased absenteeism, psychological trauma, poor concentration, reduced classroom participation and declining academic achievement. The study further established that enhanced school security measures, trauma-informed counselling services, community surveillance, collaboration with security agencies and government-supported Safe School initiatives were effective strategies for mitigating the educational consequences of kidnapping. The study concluded that addressing the academic effects of kidnapping requires a holistic approach that integrates physical security, psychosocial support, community participation and sustained government commitment. It was recommended that educational authorities strengthen school security infrastructure, institutionalize counselling services, expand community-based security partnerships and increase investment in the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative to ensure educational continuity in insecurity-prone areas.
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