Urbanization and violent crimes in Nigeria: a case study of armed robbery in Enugu metropolis

Abstract:

Leonard Ugwu Leonard Ugwu The increasing cases of violent crimes in Enugu Metropolis in particular and Nigeria in general has constituted the most urgent economic, social and psychological problems. The alarming and unprecedented cases of armed robbery with violence that, more often than not, results in innumerable loss of lives, severe physical injuries to the victims, raping, loss of money, and properties have continued to give lawabiding citizens of Enugu metropolis and Nigeria in general serious concern. The study set out to identify factors responsible for the persistent increase of armed robbery activities and the extent to which urbanization has influenced the increasing cases of armed robbery in Enugu metropolis, the impact of the measures put in place to reduce the menace and factors militating against its effectiveness. A total of five hundred & seventy (570) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling method. These were adult respondents from Enugu Metropolis. The methods of data collection were the questionnaire and the Official Crime (Records) b Statistics. The data collected were analysed using percentages while, three hypotheses were tested using chi-square (x2) and percentages. The result obtained showed that there is a significant relationship between the social environment of Enugu metropolis and the incidence of armed robbery in the metropolis. Also, the new measures put in place for combating armed robbery by the government and individuals had impact in reducing the rate of armed robbery activities in the ;ity. Again, it was discovered that the lack of effective control of armed robbery activities in the metropolis had no significant relationship with the type of equipment available to the police. These findings have clear implication for the economic, social and political realities of Nigeria society which calls for reorlentation of the system of norms and values to appreciate the values of hard work, sincerity and genuine efforts to success and achievement. Firrally, it predicted that any positive solution to the present crime problems must begin with economic, political and social change.