AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATION OF BANDITRY IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined audience perception of socio-economic implications of banditry in North Central Nigeria with a focus on Niger State. The study employ survey design and data were collected through well-structured questionnaire administered. The
study was anchored with Agenda setting theory. A sample of 308 was selected using convenient sampling. Tables were adopted in the analysis. The study discovered that there is a significant effect of rural armed banditry on socio-economic activities in Niger State. Analysis suggests that respondents had a negative perception about the effectiveness of measures adopted by the Niger State government in terms of curtailing rural banditry in the state. It was discovered that poverty and illiteracy were the major causes of rural banditry in Niger State. Employment opportunities should be provided by the government; this will assist in reducing poverty, unemployment and the higher numbers of youths engaging themselves in drug abuse, and all forms of social vices in the society. Government at federal, state and local government level in Nigeria should collectively employee more security personnel and increase funding and motivation of existing officers.