FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT IN VIOLENT GANGS: A STUDY OF KONTAGORA TOWNSHIP, NIGER STATE

Abstract

Youth violence is one of the greatest social problems facing Nigerian society. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the issue of youth violence has assumed a new dimension. The phenomenon manifests itself through formation of gangs who carry out such acts like; vandalism, rape, arson, burglary, murder, robbery, ethno-religious militancy, and kidnapping etc. Politicians at times
manipulate the youth into violence for political advantage. While youth violence constitutes a serious threat to our collective security; unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, Poor upbringing, support from politicians etc seems to be among the major factors responsible for youth's involvement in violent gang activities in the Nigerian cities. Youth gang is a determinant of diminishing moral wields in a society and its consequences are many, because it has some socioeconomic impacts on the individual, family and community or society at large. The paper examined the factors responsible for youth involvement in violent activities in Nigeria. The study utilizes primary data (questionnaire and in-depth interview) were used as the instruments for data collection. The study recommends that employment opportunities, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation programs should be put in place in the country. Equally, good parental care, admonishing by faith based organizations should be given consideration to mitigate the persistent increase youth violent activities.