Investigating the Nexus Between Community Participation and Crime Control in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the nexus between community participation and crime control in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. With the aid of the study objectives, two hypotheses were formulated in the study. A sample size of 399 was adopted from the population of the study using Taro Yamane formular for sample size determination. The purposive and proportionate sampling techniques were used in this study at different stages. The summation of all the responses was presented using frequency distribution tables and simple percentages. In addition, the mean analysis was used to analyze the data generated from the field while the chi-square statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses formulated in the study. With calculated chi-square of 25.812, the study reveals among others that, community participation through the establishment of vigilante groups has significant influence on controlling incidents of kidnapping in Takum Local Government Area. The study concludes that, community participation in the form of establishment of vigilante groups and provision of equipment and materials, has led to controlling criminality such as kidnapping and killings in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State. The study recommends among others that, traditional leaders and heads of various institutions in Takum Local Government Area should continue to engage in community participation through the establishment of vigilante groups and providing them with basic necessities. By so doing, the vigilante groups will work assiduously in performing their duties which in turn is a panacea for controlling incidents of kidnapping in Takum LGA.