SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS AND CATACLYSMIC INCIDENCE OF YOUTH CRIME IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

Youth crime is a very serious issue militating against peace and tranquility of Nigeria. It is a problem that has touched every aspect of Nigerian society. Many indications are obtainable about the effects and consequences surrounding youth crime in Nigeria today. Since Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, there is a very serious concern about the future of the country in terms of crime management. Many socioeconomic factors can be presented as causes of youth crime. Some of these factors include unemployment and family instability. Unemployment is relatively a big issue in Nigeria today. There is no doubt that many Nigerian youth today are unemployed which unavoidably make them susceptible to criminal activities. Also, the problem of family instability cannot be left out. In essence, industrialization has come to stay and the responsibility of family institution as primary agent of socialization has been challenged. Many parents no longer have time for their children, enhancing the possibility of engaging in crime activities. 120 questionnaires were carefully administered in the three Local Government Areas of Ilorin Metropolis. The analysis of data was carried out using descriptive method as well as inferential statistics of correlation. The result of research findings reveals that family instability is a serious enigma exposing youth in Ilorin metropolis to crimes. Also, unemployment continues to wreak havoc on the metropolis prompting youth to engage in criminal activities in order to satisfy their financial necessities. Hence, this study recommends that more employment opportunities and empowerment programmes be made available for the youth, family institution should be taken serious since this institution provides ethical and moral standards which will help in preventing youth crime.