Urbanism And Crime Prevalence Management Strategies In Suburban Areas Of Nigeria: An Assessment Of Gboko Local Government Area Of Benue State

Abstract

Urbanization happens differently around the world, frequently resulting in crime if not effectively planned. Crime destabilises any society and is untenable. This study investigates urbanism and crime management in suburban Nigeria, specifically Gboko LGA of Benue State. This paper utilises a descriptive survey of 397 local government residents selected from thirteen council wards. The study is anchored on relative deprivation theory by Gurr, which explains the psychological causes involving frustration and aggression leading to human capacity for crime. The paper finds that the presence of security agencies, administrative offices, viable markets, and career possibilities draws people to Gboko Local Government Area. However, push factors such as insecurity, lack of access to good healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, promote migration to the local council, resulting in urbanism and its consequences on lives and properties. The findings also discovered that crime is rising due to the changing local, state, and national economy, which is unfavourable to most inhabitants of the nation. As a suburban, Gboko LGA has lost traditional institutions that preserved public order and morals, resulting in growing criminality. The economic trends have considerably undermined customary social control mechanisms that formerly prevented deviant behaviour. In reaction to the criminal outbreak, the government and rural dwellers launched various intervention strategies, such as the establishment of organised crime control mechanisms, such as anti-robbery squads, anti-cultism units, and community vigilante associations. The local council and state government’s crime control measures include boosting agricultural activities and youth empowerment to lessen criminal involvement and public peace and security risks. The research advocated, among others, the continual expansion and strengthening of social infrastructures to contain the ever-changing population and also create employment as well as empower citizens through skills.