Attitudes of South-South Residents toward Community-based Peacebuilding Approaches in Addressing Kidnapping
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined the attitudes of South-South residents toward community-based peacebuilding approaches in addressing kidnapping in Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the level of awareness of residents regarding community-based peacebuilding approaches, identified the factors influencing residents' awareness and attitudes and examined their attitudes toward these approaches in addressing kidnapping. The study was anchored on Soft Power Theory, which explains that sustainable peace is more effectively achieved through attraction, dialogue, trust, legitimacy and voluntary cooperation than through coercion. A survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised an estimated 2,598,000 adult residents across selected cities in Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States. Using Cochran's sample size formula, a sample of 384 respondents was selected through a five-stage multistage sampling technique involving purposive, cluster, simple random and systematic sampling procedures. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered on a face-to-face basis. Of the 384 copies administered, 369 were retrieved and found suitable for analysis, representing a response rate of 96.1%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics comprising frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. The findings revealed that residents possess a relatively high level of awareness of community-based peacebuilding approaches in addressing kidnapping (Grand Mean = 3.77). The study also found that media exposure, personal experience with insecurity, government support and educational background significantly influence residents' awareness and attitudes toward community-based peacebuilding approaches (Grand Mean = 3.95). Furthermore, respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards community-based peacebuilding approaches in addressing kidnapping (Grand Mean = 3.91). The study concluded that community-based peacebuilding approaches remain viable complementary strategies for addressing kidnapping when supported by effective communication, public enlightenment, institutional support and active community participation. The study recommended intensified public awareness campaigns, increased community participation through collaboration among stakeholders, and stronger institutional support for community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
Author: Inwang, Etim Joseph
Institution: Glorious Vision University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204105263