I recently discussed the Supreme Court judgment on Sunday Jackson and the issue of banditry in Nigeria. However, beyond the issue of banditry, Nigeria is witnessing an alarming rise in criminality, particularly among the youth. I want to address this disturbing trend and analyze the underlying causes.
A recent incident in Benin City highlights this crisis. A 27-year-old man was accused of beheading a 43-year-old man returning from a ceremony. The vigilante group in the area mobilized and arrested the young man while he was still in possession of the fresh, dripping head. Shockingly, this same individual had previously been seen throwing money in a nightclub, an act that has become common among internet fraudsters, or “Yahoo boys.”
As a social scientist with a background in medicine and social sciences, I have studied this phenomenon and identified several key reasons for the rise in criminal activities among Nigerian youths.
1. Poor Education
Education is not merely about obtaining certificates; it is about reorienting the mind to be useful to oneself, society, and God. Unfortunately, many young people lack proper education, which leads to a distorted sense of success and morality.
When I was younger, my mother always advised me not to be envious of material possessions acquired through shortcuts. She assured me that education would allow me to achieve in one day what others struggled for years to acquire. True to her words, when I graduated, I was able to furnish a home in a single day. However, today’s youth, due to poor education and societal pressure, seek quick wealth without labor.
Beyond academic education, moral and street education are also lacking. Many young people lack basic etiquette, leadership training, and resilience. During my time at Federal Government College, we had house captains and prefects who trained us in responsibility. Boarding schools played a crucial role in molding disciplined and well-rounded individuals, but their decline has contributed to societal dysfunction.
2. A Dysfunctional Society
In functional societies, people do not need to be desperate. In developed nations, social security systems ensure that even children receive allowances, and education is free up to the PhD level. Mothers receive salaries during maternity leave, reducing the need for desperation and crime. In contrast, in Nigeria, basic amenities are lacking, forcing people into survival mode.
A functional society provides stable infrastructure and opportunities, but in Nigeria, many basic systems are broken. People struggle for essentials such as transportation, healthcare, and education. If these were in place, many young people would not resort to crime as a means of survival or success.
3. Conspicuous Consumption and Societal Pressure
A major driving force behind criminality is the culture of conspicuous consumption. This term, coined by economist Thorstein Veblen, refers to the extravagant display of wealth to attain or maintain social status. Many Nigerian youths desire luxury cars, expensive gadgets, and designer brands not for necessity but to showcase their wealth.
The trend of throwing money in clubs or on the streets, as seen among “Yahoo boys,” is a manifestation of this problem. The display of wealth pressures others into illicit activities to achieve similar financial status. Even within religious circles, some pastors preach that honoring one’s spiritual leader can lead to sudden financial breakthroughs, further misleading young people into desperation.
A developed mind focuses on productivity, responsibility, and integrity, while a primitive mind equates wealth with luxury and status. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many people chase material possessions rather than meaningful contributions to society.
4. Lack of Proper Values
The absence of a strong value system in Nigeria is another major contributor to crime. Titles and recognition are given to individuals without considering their integrity or contributions to society. In developed societies, people are rewarded for innovation and responsibility, while in Nigeria, fraudsters and criminals are often celebrated.
The young man throwing money in the streets did so for the pleasure of seeing others scramble for it. This “financial orgasm,” as I call it, is a sign of deep-seated insecurity and a lack of true fulfillment. Until the Nigerian mindset evolves to prioritize honor, diligence, and productivity over showmanship, criminality will continue to rise.
Conclusion
The key issues fueling crime in Nigeria include poor education, a dysfunctional society, societal pressure, and the absence of proper values. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort in reorienting young people towards integrity and productivity.
God bless you, and let us strive to build a better society.
