Insecurity and socio-economic development in Osun state (Nigeria)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32631/pb.2025.3.04Keywords:
security, insecurity, development, socio-economic, growth, policies, conflict, governance.Abstract
Osun State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, has been grappling with significant security challenges in recent years, which have had adverse effects on its overall growth and development, especially in terms of socioeconomic progress. The study posits that Osun State has experienced increase in the numbers of cult violence, ritual killing, robberies, and kidnappings. Comparatively, these crimes are not as violent as insurgency or militancy as witnessed in the northeast and south-south regions of Nigeria, but they continually weaken tourism, education, and the local economic sustainability of Osun State. The study there seeks to investigate the root causes of insecurity in the Osun State, to determine the impacts of insecurity on social-economic development and to come up with policy-oriented action plan that will sustain a secure and viable economic environment. The study relied on the human security theory to explain the causes and effects of insecurity in Osun State. Using the qualitative research method, data were gathered from secondary sources such as books, journals, government reports, policy-based documents and briefs. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that insecurity is caused by ineffective security architecture, unemployment, lack of quality leadership, and substance abuse and corruption, the study also found that the effect of the persistent insecurity includes fear, increased crime rate, decreased investments, decreased business activity and migration pressures, all of which denigrate development. The study recommends that insecurity demands a multidimensional approach, such as the application of modern security technology, intelligence gathering methods, community policing and political will, as well as overall reforms where peace and economic stability is guaranteed.
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