Assessing the Extent of Post-traumatic-stress Disorder from Kidnapping Experience of 5 Victims and their Significant others in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Kidnapping has become a huge problem in parts of Nigeria such that residents of Kaduna metropolis who have become victims with their significant others are left to suffer varying levels of mental trauma. The study assessed kidnapping experiences and the Post-Traumatic experiences on the victims and their significant others in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna, Nigeria. Methodology: A survey research design with snowball sampling method was utilized. A total of 10 male and female residents were participants in this study. Post-traumatic distress scale was used and interviews were conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data was analyzed testing the hypothesis by way of independent T-test. The Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic narration .The hypothesis tested for the association between kidnap experience and PTSD of victims and their significant others in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State. Findings: The study found that victims and their significant others suffered varying symptoms of PTSD stemming from the kidnap experiences in Kaduna metropolis, having PTSD scores ranging from (1.5– 3.7) on the PTSD scale as a result of kidnap experiences. Since all the p-values are greater than 5% level of significance, we therefore accept the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the PTSD of kidnapped victims and significant others in Kaduna metropolis by way of the PTSD scale. Qualitative analysis revealed that the victims went through much traumatic experiences which had left them with trust issues and phobias, having changed their perspective on life as they once knew it. Recommendation: The victims of kidnap and their significant others are in dire need of counseling therapy, psychological and or psychiatric intervention to limit disability as rehabilitation is vital. There is much needed social and financial support for victims, economic recovery schemes by federal and state governments are needed to minimize security issues.