The COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity: the furiousness in Nigerian communities
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Date
2021
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Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has generally induced mass panic and threat
across the world, including Nigeria, due to the perceived uncertainties,
fears and insecurities in the communities. Based on this backdrop, this
study examined COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity in Nigeria.
Convenience accidental sampling was used to administer 1671 copies
of a questionnaire on residents through an online/electronic survey.
Data collected were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Findings
revealed that the spike in crime during the COVID-19 lockdown period
is relatively higher than usual with disruption of public peace, theft and
rape accounting for the most prominent crime. Meanwhile, most
respondents experienced crime incidence between 6 pm and 12 midnight.
Ironically, idleness, poor spatial arrangement/planning, poor
governance and poverty were the major catalysts for the crime spike
during the lockdown, while fear-of-fear (phobophobia) and declined
socio-economic capacity were predominant effects of crime experienced.
The Fisher’s exact test results revealed a significant relationship
between the surge in crime and COVID-19-restrictive measures. The
study concludes that the insecurities during lockdown periods have
caused both temporary and permanent physical and psychological
havoc; hence, it recommends quick advancement of the built environment
with smart security measures and social supports for the citizenry
during the pandemic
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Citation
Ayobami Ademola Akanmu, Umar Obafemi Salisu, Oluwole Philip Daramola, Abimbola Simiat Ogunsesan, Simeon Oluwagbenga Fasina, Jacob Ayorinde Adejare, Sekinat Motunrayo Sanni & Oluwatobi Maria Olatunji (2021) The COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity: the furiousness in Nigerian communities, Urban, Planning and Transport Research, 9:1, 369-407, DOI: 10.1080/21650020.2021.1946420