Crime in a Nigerian City: A Case Study of Warri Metropolis
Dr. (Mrs.) May Omogho Esiri

Abstract
Crime rates are much higher in cities than in rural areas and this has been the trend for several centuries. This paper argues that in the Nigerian situation (using Warri) as an example, lower arrest probabilities and lower probability of recognition is a feature of city life which seems to explain some of the city crime effects. Most of the effect can be related to observable characteristics of individuals and cities. The characteristics that seem most important are those that reflect class or status, tastes, social influences and family structure. However, we are left with trying to explain why these characteristics are connected with city/ urban life. Using the descriptive expofactor survey method and a systematic randomized sampling method, the causes and effects of crime in the city of Warri were examined. The results revealed that crime rate in Warri metropolis was not only higher than in it’s environs but it was also on the increase. In addition, the results showed that migration into Warri metropolis was spurred by the search for jobs. However, the city was unable to meet all its’ employment needs and as a result unemployment with a response rate of 58.8% out of five variables topped the list of causes of crime. This paper therefore recommends that the government of Nigeria should de-emphasize ‘certificates’ and put more emphasis on skill and handwork, as well as large scale mechanized farming.

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