Neighbourhood Gangs and Criminality in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Yenagoa, in Bayelsa State, has witnessed an increase in the rate of gang-motivated violence and crime, especially since 2015. However, several studies and news reports on crime in Yenagoa have focused more on corruption, political violence, and militancy with little attention paid to the criminal activity of neighbourhood gangs. Thus, this study investigated neighbourhood gangsterism in Yenagoa.

The Political economy and Differential Association theoretical frameworks respectively were adopted for the study. Data was generated from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was generated from five (5) in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted with street gang members; eighteen (18) key informant interviews (KIIs) with law enforcement agents, community leaders, traders and other residents; and two (2) separate focus group discussions (FGDs) with residents and few former gang members that had a total of 12 participants. Secondary data was generated from academic journals, newspapers, and textbooks. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The sample size consisted of 23 participants that included males and females of 16 years and above. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

The proliferation of gangs in the neighbourhoods of Yenagoa was perceived to have increased, with gang intimidation, chronic unemployment, and political godfatherism being the main contributory factors. Armed robbery, homicide, rape, and drug dealing were reported as the activities usually carried out by gangs in Yenagoa. Gangs have also intensified their efforts in recruiting children, including girls. The gang subculture is further transmitted through the association and socialization of teenagers by older gang members and peers. KII participants further identified some members of the criminal justice system (CJS), particularly the Police as being corrupt, conniving with gangs and also controlled by the political class for selfish gains.

This has frustrated community policing efforts in Yenagoa and induced low reporting from gang-related crime victims.

Based on the findings, the rise of gangsterism in Yenagoa is rooted in the high rate of youth unemployment, gang intimidations, and the desperateness of politicians trying to wield power at all illegitimate cost. It recommends the neutralization of all factors responsible for high gangsterism and criminality.