Abstract
The issue of Banditry has been a major security issue with far reaching social, political and economic implications in Nigeria. The extant literature, in exploring the impact of the activities of Banditry and its impact on the Nigerian people focus on loss of lives and properties while a few have dared to examine the gender sensitive issue of sexual violence, none of these existing studies have looked into Niger State which has also been a haven for bandits. This paper intends to fill this gap by examining the issue of Banditry
and sexual violence in Niger State. Adopting a qualitative method, some selected affected persons were interviewed including other relevant stakeholders such as religious and traditional leaders as well as security and government officials. The study relied on the routine activity theory to explain why and how Banditry prey on women to commit sexual violence. The study finds out that women in Niger State just like their counterparts in other Banditry ravaged states in the North West region have been victims of sexual
violence. The study recommends better security measures, increased community engagement, more presence of international organizations and psychosocial support for women and girls in affected areas.