Prevalence of Crime and Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Residents in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Crime is a major challenge affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of residents in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The study examined the prevalence of crime in Minna and its impact on the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents. The Routine Activity Theory (RAT) was explored in understanding how daily patterns and systemic socioeconomic issues contribute to crime in Minna. A total of 382 administered questionnaire retrieved from respondents were used for analysis using SPSS 23 and Stata 15 statistical packages. The hypotheses were tested by some inferential statistics (Chi-square and Correlation analysis). The findings of this study revealed that
there was no significant correlation between prevalent crimes and security in Minna, showing a positive weak correlation between prevalence crimes and the security measures in the study area (Pearson Correlation value = 0.080 was less than 0.5. the result of Sig.(P-value) = 0.490). The study identified key crime types such as armed robbery/theft, kidnapping, and drug related offenses
which typically occur both day and night. Findings also revealed that crime had significant effect on the socio-economic wellbeing of residents in Minna. It was recommended that the government should strengthen the law enforcements, while creating the enabling environment for all residents to have access to the basic needs of life including avenues for meaningful employment.