Sometimes we tend to think of crime as only criminal and horrendous offences like murder and robbery. But it is not! Anti-social behaviours such as theft, stealing, gossip, bribery, corruption, cheating, dishonesty, arson, assault, battery, oppression, deceit, etc. are crimes as well. The sentencing of Senator Ike Ekweremmadu in the United Kingdom has shown us that deceit and conspiracy is a grave crime. A crime could be an offence against humanity or law of the state.
Almost all the crimes committed have a ripple effect on human beings and the sovereign state. When a gallant soldier/policeman is gunned down on active service, we may somehow feel indifferent. Partly because, we are not directly affected or because they are law enforcement agents or due to the fact that it is not the case of a stray bullet or trigger-happy cop killing one of our beloved. Crimes are evil, devilish and wicked deeds. Issues as little as a compromise from oath of allegiance, calling or function could be detrimental to society and individuals. As long as humanity exists, there can never be an end to evil and crimes. Why? The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, noted that there is no good in humanity.
When someone cheats or defrauds you, how do you feel? You may not consider revenge immediately as a Christian but that is what crimes look like. Studies and research have indicated that most of the mass shootings carried out in various places in the United States of America were provoked by one thing. That is revenge and frustration. When people’s feelings are messed up, they tend to react in various ways. This is one of the negative effects of crime. Most times, the government and the political class, even the elite, create a favourable environment for crimes to thrive due to negligence, and failing to do the needful. Bad governments can do worse than that, especially when perpetrators of different heinous acts are not prosecuted. Sometimes, governments whose primary responsibility is protection of lives and property, turn aside and become sponsors of terrorism, banditry and the rest.
Violent crime is a crime in which an offender or perpetrator uses or threatens to use harmful force upon a victim. Although the exact list varies from country to country, violent crimes can include murder, assault, battery, sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, homicide, manslaughter, robbery, and other crimes associated with the use of force (arson, harassment, negligence). Violent crime encompasses not only crimes in which the violent act is the main objective, such as cases of murder or rape, but also crimes in which violence is the means to an end, such as robbery or extortion. Violent crime rates vary greatly among countries. Although there is rarely a clear reason why crimes are committed, there are numerous factors that are known to affect crime rates. Countries with high crime rates typically have high poverty levels and low-job availability, conditions likely to force people into riskier, more desperate, and morally questionable solutions which are often further enabled by underdeveloped law enforcement agencies. Crime rates tend to be lower in countries with favourable living conditions (wealthy), strict police enforcement, and tough sentences for crimes. There is also a strong correlation between age and crime. Most crimes, especially violent crimes, are committed by those aged 20-30.
Many countries are dangerous as hell. Target killers, kidnappers, carjackers, and other criminals are wandering everywhere to find next victims. The performance of law enforcement agencies in these countries is zero. In many countries, even members of security forces are partners in crime and ask for their share of the loot.
Nigeria is considered to be a country with a high level of crime, ranking 17th among the least peaceful countries in the world. Nigeria is the second country in Africa with the highest risk of genocide and the sixth worldwide. This risk is influenced by a population of over 200 million people, a high child mortality rate among many frustrating challenges. Major crimes in Nigeria include rape, kidnapping, murder, burglary, fraud, terrorism, robbery, cyber-crimes, bribery and corruption, money laundering and so on. Political instability, citizen alienation, terrorism and violence define the Nigerian crime scene. The four major strategies for reducing crime are: law enforcement, developmental, community and situational prevention. Crime prevention is a multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary, and integrated endeavour.
