FACTORS INFLUENCING VICTIMIZATION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ANKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE

This study assessed factors influencing victimization among secondary school students in Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State. Specifically, it identified prevalent victimization types, examined causes, evaluated effects on students’ social development, and explored management strategies. A descriptive survey design was employed with 120 respondents drawn from six secondary schools (teachers and students), selected across Ankpa’s three districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics; relationships were tested using chi-square. Findings showed that threatening classmates, false-rumor spreading, extortion by teachers, hitting/flogging by senior students, and slandering/name-calling were the most prevalent victimization forms reported. Major causes included copying parents’ aggressive behavior, exposure to violent films, poor classroom management, retaliation for past bullying, and feeling stronger than others. Victimization adversely affected social development: students appeared fearful, isolated, missed school, frequently complained of illness, and sometimes requested extra money to give to bullies. A chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between victimization and students’ social development. Recommended strategies endorsed by respondents were enforcing school rules and regulations, monitoring “hot spots,” reporting cases to the PTA, modeling prosocial behavior, and posting anti-victimization fliers around school premises. The study concludes that victimization is common and meaningfully undermines students’ social functioning in Ankpa, underscoring the need for coordinated, school-wide preventive and remedial interventions.