Social Characteristics and Perception of Terrorism in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigates public perception on the influence of terrorism in North East-Nigeria. Survey design was adopted with a total sample of one hundred and eighty (180) from three local government areas of Borno State (Maiduguri, Gambaru and Ngala) using convenient sampling technique. Questionnaire was developed by the researcher and pilot study was conducted to affirm
validity and reliability. Four hypotheses were stated and tested with Independent t-test. The study found that males and females differ significantly in their perception on the influence of terrorism in the north-eastern Nigeria. The study further confirmed that Christians and Muslims indicated a statistically significant difference in their perception on the influence of terrorism in the North-East Nigeria.On the contrary the study does not confirmed that old and young respondents do not statistically significantly difference in their perception on the influence of terrorism in the north-east of Nigeria.Finally, a statistical significant diffenece is established on the perception of the influence of terrorism in the north-east Nigeria between people of low and high educational status. The study concludes that there is a negative perception of the public towards terrorism in the north-east Nigeria. Thus recommends that both the States and Federal governments should embark on counter-terrorism strategies that will involve increase adequate policing and timely intelligence acquisition.