Experiences of Kidnapping for Ransom and the Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing of Affected Families in the Hausa Community of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, Nigeria

Kidnapping for ransom has become an alarming social and psychological crisis in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Katsina State, where families live in constant fear and trauma. The study explored, Kidnapping for Ransom and the Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing of Affected Families in the Hausa Community of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, Nigeria, it investigated the prevalence, experiences, and psycho-spiritual effects of kidnapping on affected families. The study examined the level and effect of kidnapping for ransom, explored the relationship between the phenomenon and the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of family members and survivals, and identified coping strategies employed by affected families. The study was guided by Judith Lewis Herman’s Trauma and Recovery Theory, which emphasizes the psychological consequences of trauma, and Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, which views the family as an emotional unit where one member’s distress affects all members. The research adopted a convergent parallel mixed-method design. The target population was 550 participants drawn from the Hausa community within the Catholic Diocese of Katsina gotten from the website of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, dated October 20, 2024, with a sample size of 222 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Quantitative data were collected through structured Google Forms that were distributed electronically, and qualitative insights from 20 respondents were obtained through Zoom interviews and one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Data was coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation coefficient aided by SPSS version 26 for the quantitative aspect, and thematic and content analysis according to general categories then summarised and presented in form of narratives and direct quotations for the qualitative aspect. The research revealed that 82% of the respondents believe that kidnapping is prevalent in their community. The research revealed that 79% of the respondents believe that God loves and care for them despite the situation, it shows a moderate level of psycho-spiritual well-being with Pearson’s correlation coefficient of variables r=0.896**, but an elevated level of anxiety, depression and stress were revealed on affected families. The study shows that psycho-spiritual therapy, counselling, community solidarity, faith based programmes can help affected families. The study may contribute to policy interventions for government, the church, the Hausa community and for future psycho-spiritual therapists who will help enhance healing and psycho-spiritual support for affected families.

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