The Have Nots

Poverty and crime are widely believed to be mutually reinforcing. While deep-seated poverty can trigger different forms of criminalities, criminal activities can greatly affect economic activities that propel growth and development thereby leading to widespread poverty in the society. However, the case, poverty is a contributive factor for crimes but there are still other factors that trigger criminal behaviours. The United Nations holds that crime is both a cause and consequence of poverty. Wise governments with an understanding of this nexus continually strive to improve the living conditions of its people as a preventive strategy of reducing crime rate. Human capital development, efficient social security system and equitable social distribution system are few ways this can be achieved.

Nigeria has been adjudged the poverty capital of the world.  Such title is seemingly commensurate with the level of security challenges in the country. Largely it affirms that poverty and crimes in Nigeria are roughly on the same par. For instance, the rate of ransom kidnap has intensified. From perpetrators usually targeting wealthy people to indiscriminate kidnapping of all classes of people (motorists, children, government officials, traditional heads, security personnel, etc.). Recently, three victims of ransom kidnap in Ogun state revealed that their abductors demanded food items as part of the release deal.

The menace is worrisomely strife. The ransoms demanded by kidnapping gangs suggests that motivating push for the crime is far beyond greed but a quest to survive the harsh economic realities in the country. Although there is no justification for crime, but government can placate the conditions of people by providing an enabling environment for people to create wealth for themselves.

It is not enough to solely fight crime. Government has to find lasting solutions to the causes of crimes. Though it is largely unattainable to have a crime-free society, however, some policy actions can drastically reduce crime rates, especially those driven by desire for survival, and grievance due to government’s neglect. As a means of creating wealth, government should empower families and households with the capacity to create value for themselves. A social security system  will cushion the harsh realities poor people face in periods of economic malaise or violence. In essence, aside tackling the crime, government should address some of the roots causes of criminal activities and violent behavior.