CHAPTER ONE

1.0      INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The persistence and rise of crime continues to damage the social fabric of the society especially in the country’s’ urban areas. Crime is not a new phenomenon both locally and internationally but the intensity and nature of crime is different within different borders. Crime also does not distinguish between the developed and developing countries such as Kenya which continue to grapple with the effects of increased incidences of criminal activities in its urban areas.

An emerging trend of crime in the urban areas reflects an increase in youth participation in violent criminal activities which has been associated with the rising unemployment rates among the youth which is far more explicit in urban areas. Onoge (1988) in Adebayo (2013) perceives crime as dysfunctional as it threatens the stability of society and it is therefore, a social problem that requires a concerted effort towards finding a lasting solution to it. It undermines the social fabric by eroding the sense of safety and security

Discourse for crime has taken various dimensions according to different theorists and scholars. Some blame it on defective family structure or arrested personality adjustment. Others emphasize factors such as inequality, environmental influence, poor socialization process (Henslin,2006). In this regards, criminal acts may be induced by many unforeseen factors and circumstances.

Crime, according to Taylor (2006) could be seen as a fault of the social system whose institutions do not work equally for all its members. Sociologists look at the social in which individuals find themselves. Could it be that the problem lay not with the individual but in the social condition under which the individual live? The concern here is why people should exhibit behavior that is in violation of established norms, violations that may ultimately result in their being labeled as criminal behavior in terms of social processes.

Mostly, persons known to commit street crimes as reported in the crime index are poor, uneducated, often unemployed and residents of low income neighborhoods (Anasi, 2010). Would a socially and economically sound person turn out to be criminal? In this research work, there is need for the assessment of criminal activities in Akure, Ondo state.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A criminal activity amongst the youths is really pathetic this could be triggered as a result of lack of good job opportunities, could also be lack of empowerment for the youths, and creation of awareness for those ones that claim to be ignorant about their actions in the states. This activity could also lead to conflicts, hatred and division in the minds of people. Finally, several researches has been carried out on the criminal activities and its effects on Nigerian youths but not even a single research has been carried out on the assessment of criminal activities “among” youths in Akure, Ondo state.

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the study is to assess criminal activities “among” youth’s. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1.          to determine the impact of criminal activities on youths in Akure, Ondo state.

2.          to determine the factors influencing youth involvement in criminal activities in Akure, Ondo state.

3.          to determine the strategies adopted for the reduction of criminal activities among youths in Akure, Ondo state.

4.          to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.          What is the impact of criminal activities on youths in Akure, Ondo state?

2.          What are the factors influencing youth involvement in criminal activities in Akure, Ondo state?

3.          What are the strategies adopted for the reduction of criminal activities among youths in Akure, Ondo state?

4.          What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0    Criminal activities have no significant effect on Youths in Akure, Ondo state.

H1:      Criminal activities have a significant effect on Youths in Akure, Ondo state.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study on criminal activities among the youthswill be of immense benefit to the entire government in the sense that it will enable them to involve in more job creation, entrepreneurial empowerment for the youths, and creation of awareness to the youths so as to educate them on the adverse effect of criminal activities among them. In other for them to be impactful to the society which they live, the afore mentioned needs to be put in place for this to be achieved. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF STUDY

Study on the assessment of criminal activities among youths is limited to Akure, Ondo state.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

AssessmentThe action of assessing someone or something.

CrimeAn action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.

YouthRefers to any individual between the ages of 18 – 35

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives an insight into various studies conducted by outstanding researchers, as well as explained terminologies with regards to an assessment of criminal activities “among” youths.

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