Violent Crime Dynamics and Socio-Economic Development in Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between violent crimes and socio-economic development of Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent to which kidnapping, armed robbery, affect socio-economic development of Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents were selected from the study area. A self-report questionnaire developed by researcher and approved by the supervisors was used as instrument for data collection. The data obtained were statistically analysed using simple linear regression. Each hypothesis was tested at 0.05 per cent level of significance. The result obtained from the analysis revealed that, kidnapping, armed robbery, significantly affects the socio-economic development of Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Nigeria. From the findings of this study, it is evident that there is a significant relationship between violent crime and socio-economic development in the study area. The study recommended among other things that there is an urgent need to improve the level of training of security personnel to meet up with the growing and emerging technologies in crime prevention and improve the general conditions of service of police officers in Nigeria. This will motivate them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities efficiently and effectively. The government should allocate additional resources to enhance the capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, placing particular focus on contemporary policing methods. This includes providing training in forensic science, psychology, and the application of DNA and ballistics techniques to support effective law enforcement.