A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF CRIME OFFENCES RECORDED IN BENIN, EDO STATE. (FROM 1999- 2014) – A CASE STUDY OF BENIN DIVISIONAL HEAD QUARTERS.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1. Introduction
The menace of crime across the globe is a serious concern. Every country across the globe has its particular problems. The West African sub region and in particular Nigeria is not an exception. One of such teething problems and challenges confronting the country is the rising wave of crime. This study is aimed at examining the factors responsible for the increasing wave of crime in Nigeria, Edo state in particular. Criminal offences
simply put are those behaviors or attitudes that are punishable by law. Okoro et al 2012 opined that a criminal offence is a crime against the state. It can also be called ‘breaking the law’. If you are accused of a criminal offence, the charge sheet or will say what offence you have been charged with. Generally in Nigeria, the level of crime offences has risen sporadically. This may be caused by a host of factors. Crime rates in dierent
states are not on the same level, there are states where the level of crime is higher than others. According to the Nigeria police force, crime rate in Nigeria has risen geometrically overtime. Crime is an inhibitor to the economic, political and social progress of a nation and a major factor for underdevelopment; this is because it
discourages both local and foreign investments, reduces the quality of life of its citizens, and damages relationship between citizens and states, thus undermining democracy, the rule of law and the ability of the country to promote sustainable development and peace (Abayomi 2013). The consequences of crime touch almost everyone in one way or the other. We are going to streamline our research work on crime offences
in Nigeria to Edo state, Benin City precisely. This is because of its strategic location on the geographical map of Nigeria and its important socio economic and cultural values.
Causes of crime
Crime can be caused by so many factors, criminologists in their knowledge of crime has stipulated some core causes of crime across the globe. The following are some of the major causes of crime
1. Unemployment: the increase of unemployed youths across the world has lead to a steady rise in crime and corrupt practices. This is simply because when people are jobless or idle there is that chance of them criminally being busy.
2. Political activities: in the West African sub region, this factor is the chief cause of the rise of criminal activities. During political happenings, politicians leverage on the high rate of unemployment in this part of the world to recruit idle youths who would willingly engage in this unholy acts to make a living.
3. Crises or social unrest: naturally during cases of crises and social unrest, there is a high tendency for Criminal activities to be at its peak.
