Survey of Tourist Perceptions of Safety and Security at Olumo Rock, Ogun State, South West Nigeria

This study surveys tourist perceptions of safety and security at Olumo Rock, a prominent historical attraction in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Safety concerns have increasingly been cited as a critical determinant of destination choice and tourist behaviour globally, and Nigerian attractions are not exempt from this scrutiny. Using a descriptive survey design, 170 domestic visitors are selected through convenience sampling and administered a structured questionnaire during site visits. Variables assessed include perceptions of physical site safety, security personnel visibility, lighting, emergency response readiness, and personal crime experience at the site. Findings reveal that 61 percent of respondents feel generally safe during visits, while 39 percent express moderate to high safety concerns, particularly regarding poorly lit stairways and the absence of visible emergency procedures. The study further finds that negative safety perceptions reduce willingness to recommend the site to others and shorten average visit duration. First-time visitors report higher anxiety levels compared to repeat visitors. Recommendations include installation of improved lighting on internal pathways, deployment of uniformed security personnel at key access points, introduction of a visible emergency response protocol, and regular safety audits by the Ogun State Tourism Commission. These measures are expected to enhance visitor confidence and support growth of the site as a domestic tourism hub. Keywords: tourist safety, security perception, Olumo Rock, domestic tourism, destination management