An Intercultural Approach to Tackling Kidnapping and Banditry in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Kidnapping and banditry have emerged as significant threats to human security, social cohesion, economic development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. Although these forms of insecurity have historically been associated more strongly with northern Nigeria, their increasing manifestation in South-West Nigeria has generated growing concern among governments, communities, religious organisations and security agencies. Oyo State presents an important case because of its geographical size, extensive rural and forest corridors, agricultural economy, ethnic and religious diversity, and proximity to interstate and international routes. Recent evidence indicates that kidnapping and related forms of rural banditry have affected several parts of the state, particularly rural and semi-rural communities in Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun and other hinterland areas. This article examines how an intercultural approach can complement conventional policing and military responses to kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State. The study adopts a qualitative, historical and interpretive methodology based on scholarly literature, official documents, policy reports and relevant contemporary studies. It employs John Paul Lederach's conflict transformation theory, Edward T. Hall's intercultural communication perspective, Milton Bennett's developmental model of intercultural sensitivity, and religious peacebuilding theory as complementary analytical frameworks. The article argues that kidnapping and banditry cannot be effectively addressed through coercive security measures alone. Sustainable intervention requires trust-building among Yoruba communities, Fulani pastoralists, farmers, religious organisations, traditional institutions, vigilante groups, government agencies and formal security services. An intercultural approach can reduce stereotyping, improve communication, strengthen community-based intelligence, address grievances and create channels for peaceful dispute resolution. The article proposes an Oyo Intercultural Security and Peacebuilding Framework built around interfaith dialogue, farmer-herder engagement, traditional mediation, community intelligence, youth inclusion, responsible media communication, human-rights-based security and institutional collaboration. It concludes that intercultural engagement should complement, rather than replace, professional policing and lawful security operations.

Keywords

References