The Feminisation of Kidnapping in Nigeria: An In-depth Analysis of Robert Peter’s Voiceless and Paul Papel Apel’s Eagles Wings

Abstract

The issue of kidnapping has been an area of security concern in Nigeria, the Niger-Delta region of the country suffered for several years, especially with the kidnapping of expatriates, working in the oil rich region. The demands of these kidnappers were varied, the most notable was the exploitation of the environment, especially as the oil spillage continues to degrade the land. However, the issue of kidnapping in recent years has taken a different form. With the advent of the Boko Haram terrorists, women are now the victims of kidnapping. The kidnapping of the Chibok school girls, Dapchi girls, Youth Corp Members going on national service, and the recent kidnap of twenty-five school girls from their dormitory in Kebbi, to mention a few, have made local and international headlines. These stories have also been told through plays, podcasts and films. This study uses the films Voiceless and Eagles Wings, to examine the issue of the feminisation of kidnapping and its adverse effects on the community and country at large. Using Molly Haskell’s theory of the woman’s film: the paper raises issues of women always presented as sacrifice, affliction, choices and competition. The paper adopts qualitative methodology using content analysis to explore pictorial representations and dialogue in the film. The paper concludes by condemning the acts and by recommending ways to curb kidnapping not only of women but all humans.