Implications of urban violence on community security in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Violence, whether at the urban or rural areas, come with its consequences and implications on the lives and properties of the inhabitants of the area in which the violence takes place. Extant studies have scarcely interrogated the implications of urban violence on community security in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. This study therefore, examined the implications of urban violence on the community security of the inhabitants of Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization theory was adopted as the theoretical framework and the case study research design was employed. A mixed method of data collected was utilized comprising key informant interviews and questionnaire. Two wards, ward 8 and 12 were purposively selected for the study and 10 Key Informant Interview was purposively selected in the following manner: community heads (2), members of Community Development Association (4), Divisional Police Officer’s (2) and Amotekun commandant (2). A total of 399 copies of questionnaire was administered to residents in Ward 8 (163) and Ward 12 (236) using the simple random sampling techniques. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while the quantitative data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Scientist and are represented in simple descriptive statistics. Responses from respondents revealed that the causes of urban violence in the local government area include; high rate of unemployment (56.1%), loss of social values (39.5%), proliferation of arms (38.2%), cultism (17%) and drug abuse (17%). The predominant nature of violence in the local government area are robbery, armed robbery, cultism clash, and road transport union violence. Urban violence has led to loss of lives and livelihood, destruction of properties, and increased state of insecurity in the Local Government Area. Urban violence had dire implications for community security in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. To ensure effective security in the local government area, there is need to accentuate peace education and emphasize synergize of effort among the communities, her leadership, law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations.