Kidnapping phobia among peasant farmers and threats to Agri-tourism in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti state, Nigeria

Abstract

Kidnapping has become a cankerworm to almost all sectors of Nigeria especially the tourism sector. This research work discusses kidnapping phobia among peasant farmers and threats to agri-tourism in Ekiti East LGA of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The objectives are to examine the cases of kidnapping of peasant farmers in the study area; analyse the case of selected victim of kidnapping in Ekiti State; look into efforts made by security agencies in tackling the menace and discuss the effects of these kidnapping cases on agri-tourism in the study area. Interview was conducted on three (3) victims of kidnapping and a narrative analysis was done on the content of the interview. 50 copies of questionnaire were administered on randomly selected respondents and the data collected were coded and analysed using SPSSv23. The results were presented in tables. The study found out that Ekiti East LGA has become haven for kidnappers and this has resulted in high kidnap cases in the area, the study also found out that security agencies are not doing well enough and also, locals serve as informants for kidnappers in the study area. The study recommended that local security personnel should be co-opted because they understand the terrain of their communities and also, locals should be sensitized on preparedness in case of eventualities. This will in a big way serve as relief for patrons willing to visit farms and ranches for agri-tourism.