Combating Youth Violence and Insecurity in Jalingo Metropolis: A Pragmatic Approach

Abstract

Youth gangs and youth violence have been on the increase in recent times within Jalingo Metropolis. This has resulted in insecurity and loss of lives and properties of the inhabitants. The emergence and activities of the “Base Boys” creates an atmosphere of disproportionate gang violence by the restive youths in Jalingo. This study examines the approaches and strategies adopted in curtailing the spread and negative transformation of the new phenomenon of the Sara-Suka (youth gang groups) by the Jalingo Local Government Council, Muri Emirate Council and Security Agencies in Taraba State. The sources of data are both primary and secondary. The methods of data collection are primary through unstructured interviews and direct observations. The theoretical framework adopted in this study is the Social Learning Theory, which defines social behavior through the social learning process. The theory posits that people learn from one another through observation, imitation and modeling. The differential association theory which is a micro level theory is also explored. The study findings revealed that push and pull factors from rural-urban migration and crisis in the northeast as a result of Boko Haram insurgency brought in thousands of refugees to Jalingo metropolis. This is further reinforced by ethnoreligious conflicts within Taraba State which forced internally displaced persons (IDPs) to relocate and settle in Jalingo town, thereby aggravating the development of youth violence gang groups. The study recommends that to combat youth violence, community policing should be encouraged, government at all levels should initiate pro-poor youth empowerment programs, provision of modern security gazettes and constant patrol of flash points and criminal hideouts areas in the metropolis