EFFECTS OF INSECURITY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF IGANGAN COMMUNITY IN IBARAPA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

This study examined the effects of insecurity on socio-economic development in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a target population of 2,650 adult residents engaged in socio-economic activities in the Idiyan area of Igangan. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 348 respondents was calculated, and 348 questionnaires were administered. However, only 155 questionnaires were properly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 44.54%, and these 155 valid responses were used for the analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that insecurity has significantly disrupted agricultural productivity, reduced household incomes, discouraged small-scale trading and investment, increased youth unemployment, and limited access to education and farmland. Respondents also reported a decline in the overall standard of living and fewer development projects in the community. Chi-square results confirmed statistically significant relationships between insecurity and both economic and socio-economic development. The study concludes that insecurity remains a major obstacle to sustainable development in Igangan and recommends strengthened security operations, youth empowerment programmes, and improved rural infrastructure as key measures to address the challenge.