Spatial patterns and insecurity in urban Nigeria

Abstract

As a result of the unprecedented level of insecurity in Nigeria due to gang-related violence, this study examined violence-related crimes (armed robbery, the ‘area boys' phenomenon and communal/street clashes) and security situation and coping measures across different spatial patterns in urban Nigeria, Ibadan city. Ibadan is the second largest city in Nigeria, after Lagos. Three hundred residents participated in the study: 184 males (61.3%) and 116 females (38.7%). They were aged between 14 and 30 years, with a mean age of 22.4 years (SD = 5.20 years). Three focussed group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from participants, who were randomly selected from 12 localities in three density areas of Ibadan (low, medium and high). Results revealed that males were in the majority (61.3%) compared to females (38.7%). In addition, demographic attributes also conformed to spatial pattern: Muslims were in the majority in high-density areas while Christians were in the majority in the low- and medium-density areas. Low-density areas had better housing qualities, including accessibility to good roads, than high- and medium-density areas, and consequently high crime rates. Also, results showed that violence-related crimes were spatially patterned: the prevalence and incidence of armed robbery was highest in the low-density areas, while the prevalence and incidence of ‘area boys' was highest in high-density areas. Communal/street clashes were common to all density areas. Police ratings in terms of accessibility and effectiveness were poor for all density areas. Coping behaviours differed according to spatial patterns: low-density residents used more high-walled fencing, dogs and security guards while vigilante formation was common among high-density residents. Other security-related information and recommendations have also been discussed.

Keywords: crime network, gang-related violence, insecurity, housing density, youths

Journal of Psychology in Africa 2005, 15(1): 65–722