RISING CRIME RATE IN NIGERIA

During the campaigns for the 2023 general elections, Nigeria experienced some calm and safety. It was nuanced that the sponsors of terrorism, banditry and other crimes were too occupied with the electioneering. Few weeks after the elections and announcement of results, the spate of insecurity is on the rise again. It is quite disheartening to see young men of school age involved in various crimes. Education in Nigeria has been so much degraded that most youths view it as a waste of money, time and resources. Due to incessant strikes and other bottlenecks in the high institutions, majority of the students have embraced cybercrimes, internet fraud (Yahoo plus) and kidnapping. Some of the university professors on the other hand are used by the incumbent government to perpetuate electoral fraud and announcement of election results marred by irregularities.

A pertinent question seeking for answers is: why do individuals take up leadership positions in Nigeria? To feather their own nest? Take on an uneasy head bearing a crown? Become famous and popular? Or to be precursors to the demands of common good, improve and make their society better and livable?

Do we need a soothsayer to declare that the network of criminality is getting stronger every day in Nigeria? Several state governors have abandoned the security of lives and property to providence and fate due to incessant killings and lack of cooperation from the federal government. All these happenings corroborate the statement that ‘the society we abuse today, will take revenge on us tomorrow’. Politicians and influential personalities are seen in different church denominations thanking God for sparing their lives from bloodthirsty men. We may not need the analysis of criminologists to validate that the corruption of the best is the worst of all corruption. Conflicts, religious tension, religious intolerance which had often bedeviled the nation are ignored due to our narrow-minded leaders. The wealthy and the rich are not the only ones affected by the high rate of crimes; poor farmers and others are often attacked by armed men.

Moreover, we cannot discuss crime in Nigeria without referring to APC-led government at the federal level which promised to end insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other crimes in 2015, but has failed woefully in protecting lives and property. The rate at which young people embraces crime is an indicator of a failure on the part of government. Ritual money, ritual killings and celebration of evil practices is on the increase. Thuggery and touting were the mechanism used by the ruling party in some states to win election. Kidnapping and demand for ransom are always evolving into different forms in the South eastern part of Nigeria. In some parts of Nigeria, Christians do not attend churches again for fear of losing their lives.

Undoubtedly, there is crime in every corner of the world but the rate of crimes in Nigeria is alarming. The dignity, sanctity and sacredness of human life is derided. Even priests and men of God are not spared in the quest for quick money or innocent blood. Some Catholic priests have been killed and others kidnapped. The masses in Nigeria are faced with the worst scenario of their life every day. Night life is a thing of the past in some cities. Families, friends, relations and well-wishers are too scared to attend social events like burials, party, picnic and recreational outdoor programmes.

As solution is not forthcoming from the government, many are taking laws into their hands in a bid to protect themselves. To clean up Nigeria is a great task. Only a competent, capable hand with integrity can make Nigerians smile and sleep with their two eyes closed again.

Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu,

Trade Fair Complex, ASPAMDA, Lagos