CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Juvenile delinquency is seen as the crime committed by young people and a delinquent is an

offender especially a young criminal assumed to lack the moral and social sense without

showing impairment of intellect. As delinquency increases, so also does the delinquents that

are taken to correctional facilities to serve term for the crimes they have committed. Juvenile

delinquency is a social problem with great financial and social cost that affect society at

large (Idowu & Odivwri, 2017). Delinquency like other social behavior has complex roots. It

is most often a transitory phenomenon. Juvenile delinquency in a long run has become a

phenomenon in Nigeria as it has become a threat to society breeding more criminal activities

among the adolescents.

However, to buttress more on juvenile delinquency in Nigeria, the focus is

specifically/precisely on the delinquency of youths in Zamfara state. The administration of

justice on the juvenile delinquency has been a problem, because there is no special court for

the trial of the juvenile delinquents. It is a common belief that delinquent children need to be

corrected under the control and supervision of correctional institutional institutions for

rehabilitation and reintegration. However, the roles of the correctional institutions have been

challenged with so many banes, similarly the inability to adequately control the juvenile

delinquencies has become a threat to the development of the nation as it poses more crime,

and insecurity on the country. Juvenile delinquency is as a result of different abnormal

behaviors such as stealing, drunkenness, burglary, robbery, rape, homicide, idleness, truancy,

prostitution, disobedience, running away from home, kleptomanias and sexual promiscuity.

As it had been stated in United Nations Human Convention on the Right of Juveniles,

1
accused juveniles shall be separated from adult prisoners and brought at court immediately.

Hence, the justice system views juvenile offenders as immature in the sense that they are less

capable of appreciating the consequences of their actions, less able to exercise self-control,

and more easily lead astray by others (Agnew & Brezina, 2012).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The alarming rate of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria today, has led to governments, parents,

guidance, teachers, as well as well-meaning Nigerians to pick interest on its large effects in

the society. Also, the increasing waves of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria places lives,

properties and future of the youths at stake. Millions of people worldwide, even in countries

once considered relatively safe, seem to have a haunting fear of crime and violence in recent

times. The once cherished sense of personal safety appears antiquated and national security

is being supplanted by deep anxiety and global terrorism. In its 2008 report about the state of

children and crime, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (2008) noted

that increasing numbers of young Nigerians are getting involved in criminality. The growing

concerns over the increasing juvenile crime rate have sparked extensive research into various

factors that may lead young adults to engage in illegal behavior. George (2007) observed that

over the past ten years, the number of juvenile courts cases have doubled in West Africa.

The rise in destructive acts amongst youths seems to be evident in school dropout rates,

teenage pregnancies, drug abuse and quite apparently, substantial increase in teenage crimes

committed. In Nigeria today, the fear of crime permeates every aspect of human live. This

includes violent crimes such as aggravated robberies, rape, drug abuse, hijacking and bank

heists, which are mainly committed by juvenile.

In fact, a careful analysis of the scenario by expert and scholars reveals that the trend is still

on the rise. It is against this backdrop that this study tends to highlight the factors responsible
2
for increasing juvenile delinquency in Gusau, Zamfara State.

1.3 Research Questions

The following research questions were raised during the course of the research to further

guide this study:

1. Why do juvenile engage in delinquent acts in Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara

State?

2. Why do juvenile offenders continue crime after being punished or sanctioned?

3. What are the consequences of delinquency on Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara

State?

4. What can be done to educate juveniles on the engagement of crime?

1.4. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is as follows:

1. To find out why juveniles engage in delinquent acts.

2. To ascertain the extent juvenile offenders continue in crime after being punished or

sanctioned.

3. To determine the consequences of juvenile delinquency on Gusau Local Government Area,

Zamfara State.

4. To find out what can be done to educate juveniles on the engagement of crime.

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1.5 Significance of the Study

The study examines the causes and consequences of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria - more

precisely, in Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara state. However, the study does not

claim that juveniles residing in Gusau are criminals or culprits or law violators. The study is

very beneficial to learning and development process and helps the youths to be aware of

those things that may lead them to delinquent acts and avoid them. It is of utmost importance

that the researcher carries out a thorough work to enrich this study with the appropriate

knowledge on juvenile delinquency because more often, youths are the ones involved in

various criminal activities being perpetrated in the state and to a larger extent, Nigeria. The

study will also help parents, guardians, sponsors and to know those things they need to do in

order to prevent their children from several delinquent acts. The study goes a long way to

unleash those things Nigerian government needs to do to educate our juveniles and prevent

them from future delinquent acts. In conclusion, this study is significant because it seeks to

determine to what extent juveniles commit crime, why they continue in delinquent act and as

well as the result of their delinquent acts to themselves and society at large.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The research was carried out in Nigeria, however, for the purpose of clarity and to avoid over

generalization, the research was specifically conducted in Gusau area of Zamfara state. This

study is to discuss the reasons for juvenile delinquency in Zamfara state of Nigeria and to

proffer solution to the increasing rate of juvenile delinquency in the Nigerian society at large.

Due to the specific geographical location of the research, samples were gotten from Gusau

local government area of Zamfara state. To further aid the research in this study, the theory of

Merton’s strain theory, Agnew’s General strain theory and social strain theory were applied.

4
1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Nature: Nature can be defined as the usual way a person or an animal behaves that is part of

their character.

Consequence: This simply means a result of something that has happened or that is done.

Delinquent: Delinquent is a person who deviates from or violates the stipulated law that

guides code of conduct of a particular country or society.

Juvenile Delinquency: Andy (1960) defines it as any social deviation by a youth from the

societal norms which results in his contact with law enforcement agents. It is an act

committed by a young person which violated the stipulated law of that country or society.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

There is no universal definition of a juvenile or delinquency. The laws of different nations

stipulate different age brackets or groups for the juveniles. Juvenile delinquency refers to the

violation of the criminal codes regulating the behavior of young persons in the society.

Besides, the concept of a juvenile is sometimes used interchangeably with other concepts like

a child, an adolescent and a youth. But the law is usually more specific in its definition of a

child or juvenile or youth. The Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) defines a child as “a

person under the age of fourteen years”. Also, the law defines a young person as “a person

who has attained the age of fourteen years”. The law, however, did not define a juvenile.

However, other indicators in the law shows that the term refers to a person under the age of

seventeen years. Alemika (2018) and Muncie (2019), defined Juvenile delinquency as any act

in violation of criminal law, committed by a person defined under law as a juvenile, which if

had been committed by an adult will be treated as a crime or criminal conduct.

According to Scalia (2017), juvenile delinquency is a violation of federal law committed by a

person prior to age eighteen which would have been a crime if committed by an adult. The

term juvenile delinquency was established so that law breakers could avoid the disgrace of

being classified in illegal records as criminals. A juvenile delinquent in Nigeria is a person

who is typically under the age of nineteen and commits an act that otherwise could have been

charged as a crime if they were adults. According to Moffit (2016), a higher proportion of

youths have experienced arrest by their early 20’s than in the past although some scholars

have concluded that this may reflect more aggressive criminal justice and zero tolerance

policies rather than changes in youths’ behaviour. Furthermore, juvenile delinquency can

range from status offences such as; underage smoking, alcohol drinking to property and

6
violent crimes.

In addition to conducts which constitute delinquency for the juveniles and crime for the

adults, there are other behaviors that do not constitute crime for adults but which are defined

as delinquency, when manifested by children and young persons. These are referred to as

status offences. Such behaviors are prohibited among juveniles because of the status of the

young person. Status offences under juvenile delinquency laws of different countries include

diverse behaviors like truancy from school, running away from home, drinking alcohol in

public, associating with disrepute persons - criminals, prostitutes, etc. Juveniles are subjected

to wider legal restrictions and differential treatment within the criminal justice system. No

doubt, the vague definition of delinquency leads to wide discretionary and discriminatory

powers on the part of law enforcement officers and juvenile justice administrators. It can

therefore be gleaned from the above that there is no clear-cut definition of delinquency. The

definition of delinquency and the scope of behavior covered by the term vary over time and

across societies. Delinquency and crime are morally, politically, economically and socially

constructed symbols and conditions. Furthermore, the definition of delinquency and concern

about it usually reflect the confusion over such like a child, a teenager, an adolescent, a

juvenile and a youth. There is also confusion about how to deal with problems of adjustment

to the various pressures encountered by children and young persons. The society selectively

attributes equal as well as diminished responsibility to young persons in different areas of

life, resulting in confusion over appropriate behavior expected of young persons.

Reasons Why Juveniles Involve in Delinquent Acts

a) Family socio-economic status is based on family income, parental occupation and societal

values in the community. The seeming undependability of families to curb the menace of

juvenile delinquency is not uncommented with the unprecedented global inflation that has
7
 had alarming influence on families, resulting in near break down of family ties. This

generally shows the negative effect it has on the adolescent member of the family who are

mostly either in secondary school or out of school. Family socio-economic status affects

parents’ ability to cater for their children and also affects the children due to lack of

proper care and attention. Coughin and Vuchimah (2016) in their empirical studies

observed that there is a relationship between family socio-economic status and juvenile

delinquency. Christie (2019) noted that parents and families are significant influence on

juvenile’s delinquent behavior as family constitute the training ground for aggression.

b) Peer group influence is another major factor that leads to juvenile delinquency. As

children enter adolescence, Friends take on a more prominent role in their lives. O’Brien

and Bierman (2018) observed that peer relationships are significant contributor to

understanding adolescent’s development. Most youths get into problems due to peer

pressure and rebellion against parental authority. One group of peers that plays a role in

juveniles’ life is gangs. Many juveniles who choose to join gangs lack a support system at

home and hope to form bonds and lifelong friends with gang members. Most juveniles are

willing to do anything one of the gang leaders asks, including criminal activities. Lipsey

and Derzon (2018) opined that for youths under the age of 12-14, a key predictor of

variable for delinquency is the presence of anti-social peers. Factors such as peer

delinquent behavior, attachment or allegiance to peers, time spent with peers and peer

pressure for deviance has all been associated with juvenile delinquency. Steinberg (2017)

observed that the influence of peers and their acceptance of delinquent behavior are

significant and this relationship is magnified when youths have little interaction with their

parents. Moreso, Thornberry and Krohn (2017) stressed that it has become clear that one

of the major ways that juveniles becomes even more delinquent is through unrestricted

8
 interaction with deviant peers. McCord and Poulin (2019) opined that ironically, many of

the common treatments for delinquents involve placing them in settings that aggregates

them with other delinquents. Thus, concern has been raised about the possible iatrogenic

effects of such placements. Eke (2018) points out that at particularly hard times when

parents are busy trying to make out a living; there is hardl` y time for interaction with

their children. In such cases, adolescents turn out to their peers for lesson on rules and

regulations which govern conducts in the society. Such actions may lead to contacts

which do not conform to the societal norms and the wish of their parents.

c) Negative messages from mass media is another factor aiding the rise of juvenile

delinquency. The influence of the media on the psychosocial behavior of the juveniles is

profound, as a result, some research findings proved that excessive television watching

have a deleterious effect on young adults. According to Flannery (2017), media portrayals

of violence have been well established as a risk factor causing juvenile delinquency. The

media has a very high tendency of influencing juveniles negatively into delinquent

behaviors. Dwyer (2019) asserts that high levels of exposure to violence on television

have been found as a factor contributing to juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency

deeply harms not only it’s victims but also their families, friends and society. Its effects

are seen not only in deaths, illness and disability, but also in terms of quality of life. The

effects of mass media on juveniles have become very significant not only because of its

communicability but also as a result of its negative impact on juvenile delinquency.

Juveniles’ are exposed to different social environments and hence, they react differently

to mass media. According to Gbadeyan (2018), a typical African child has different social

environment from that of a child in developed country like Britain or America. However,

in Nigeria, juveniles are not exposed to those hobbies their counterparts in developed

9
 countries are exposed to. There are few recreational facilities in most of these developing

countries. For instance, in Nigeria, children only have recreational centers in Lagos,

Ibadan, Abuja and a few other cities. This consequently makes them rely on watching

television and home videos for long hours. In the process, they are exposed to so many

hours of television commercials and programs which eventually leads to juvenile

delinquency.

d) Mental health issues: Juveniles who have mental health problems such as depression,

anxiety, or conduct disorder may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

e) Lack of education: Juvenikes who struggle in school or drop out are also more likely to

engage in delinquent behavior.

f) Lack of opportunities: Juveniles who lack access to positive activities and opportunities

for success may turn to delinquent behavior as a means of finding excitement or a sense

of purpose.

The Extent Juvenile Offenders Continue in Crime After Being Punished.

Studies have shown that juvenile offenders are at a higher risk of continuing their criminal

behavior after being punished compared to adult offenders. The extent to which juvenile

offenders continue in crime after being punished varies depending on factors such as the

severity of the offense, the effectiveness of the intervention, and the individual characteristics

of the offender. One study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice found that among a

sample of 1,354 juvenile offenders, 46% were re-arrested within three years of their initial

arrest, and 68% were re-arrested within five years (Loughran, Mulvey, Schubert, Fagan, &

Piquero, 2009). Another study published in the Journal of Research in Crime and

Delinquency found that among a sample of 1,354 juvenile offenders, 60% were rearrested

10
within two years of their initial arrest (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006).

In addition, research has shown that certain interventions can reduce the likelihood of

juvenile offenders continuing in crime after being punished. For example, a meta-analysis of

547 studies published in the Journal of Experimental Criminology found that interventions

that were conducted in the community and targeted multiple risk factors were more effective

at reducing recidivism than interventions that were conducted in institutions or targeted only

one risk factor (Peterson, Farrington, & Welsh, 2014). Overall, while the extent to which

juvenile offenders continue in crime after being punished is significant, effective

interventions can help reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Not much can be said about juveniles who have been to borstal homes and back. However,

the number of juveniles that continued in crime cannot be categorically stated as some of

them eventually leaves the community into another community. But in most cases, the ones

who remained in the community are mostly seen roaming the streets, whether or not they

continued in crime cannot be stated because they have not been taken in for crimes again.

Section 27 of the Nigeria Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 provides that any offence other

than one punishable with death or imprisonment for life committed by any person who at the

date when he/she appears or is brought before the court is under the age of 16 may be tried by

the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate or any Court specially empowered under the Children

Act, 1960 or any other law for the time being in force providing for the treatment, training

and rehabilitation of such children offenders. Therefore, juvenile is presumed to lack the

criminal intent to commit willful crime, hence, juvenile law is designed primarily to protect

and redirect the young offenders rather than punish them. In Nigeria, it is presumed that a

child is responsible for his/her action until he/she is at age 12 years old, but he/she will be

treated as delinquent, until he/she reaches 18 years old. Thus, he/she is subject to criminal

11
proceedings in the juvenile court and where he/she is found guilty shall be sent to remand or

borstal home (Sarki, Abdullahi & Mukhater, 2018).

Negative Consequences of Juvenile Delinquency on Gusau, LGA

The negative consequences of juvenile delinquency on individuals and the society at large

cannot be overemphasized. Crime knows no boundary nor personality as it affects people at

all levels (Balogun et al, 2014) asserted that ‘the situation of crime in Nigeria disregards all

forms of social stratification in the society, as both the high (haves) and low (have nots)

experienced the effects of crimes. For any meaningful development to occur, there must be

adequate security and for security to be guaranteed, crime must be brought to a minimal

level. This is absolutely true since security is all-encompassing and of benefit to individual,

communities and even nations across the world (Sa‟ad & Abdullahi, 2015). Many studies

revealed that crime has negative influence on economic growth and development. Folorunsho

and Rufus (2017) argued that crime rate had an effect on firm entry. This implies that as

crime rate increases; the activities of business entities will decline and would eventually have

negative effect on economic activities of a nation. Crime generally reduces safety, disrupts

order, creates chaos, generates stress and creates serious economic cost.

Crime drives away development and investment as no good investor will like to invest in an

environment with high crime rate. Jackson and Gouseti (2015) observed that victims of crime

experience various short- and long-term emotional and psychological effects. The effect of

crime on the socio-economic development of society is great. This is because as crime rate

increases; the activities of investors will decline and this will eventually have a serious

negative effect on the economic activities of a nation. Folorunsho and Rufus (2017) in their

study conducted on crime rate and firm entry in Nigeria posited that crime can act like a tax

on the entire economy as it can dampen the morale of investors, create doubt and inefficiency

12
in an industry. Ojiako et al. (2016) corroborated the above assertions when they observed that

a city with high rate of criminal activities will be less attractive to both local and foreign

investors. It is a common knowledge among scholars that crime generally reduces safety,

disrupts social order, creates chaos and confusion, hinders community collaboration and trust

and creates serious economic cost to both the people and the nation at large.

The socio-psychological consequences of crime according to him include unwillingness to

intervene in events on the street, more mistrust between neighbours and less cooperation

among the people, while the behavioural consequences of crime include making people to

limit their round of activities, participating less in local affairs and makes people to migrate

out of their neighbourhood. Mahofa et al. (2016) believed that crime has serious

consequences on nation’s economies, conveys the cost of enforcement of the law and

ultimately results to loss of both small- and large scale businesses. Tamar and Ania (2017)

opined that crime victimization has a variety of effects on the physical health of the victims,

finances and emotional well-being. People who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder

due to the impacts of violent crime are prone to develop high risk of committing suicide

(Jackson & Gouseti, 2015).

The financial impacts of crime according to Eidell and Ellis (2010) include medical bills

(e.g., emergency transportation, hospital stays etc.), loss of wages due to incapacitation,

burial expenses and loss of income among others. Office (2014) observes that people who do

not have their own homes or shelter coupled with high crime rates can create numerous

problems within the society. Crime has serious effects on economic activities of nations as it

affects investment decisions and economic indices. Other adverse effects of crime in the

society include the cost of repairing various kinds of damages/destructions caused by crime,

loss of revenue used in the maintenance and rehabilitation of prisons, the associated trauma,

13
hurts and pains inflicted on the person who is the direct victim of crime and the huge

resources allocated for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes at

various time (Jeke et al, 2021).

This study offers possible solutions which can help the government curb the increasing crime

rate in the society. Government should equip security agencies with modern crime fighting

equipment and continuous training of security personnel with a view to effectively reduce

crime to a minimal level for enhanced security. It is also recommended that political

leaderships the world over should also ensure equitable distribution of wealth and resources

among their growing population in order to reduce tensions, ill-feelings, violence and

criminality of all forms thereby enhancing peace and development. Furthermore,

governments at all levels should make concerted efforts for the provision of better wages,

family support services that can enhance the living standard of people around the world.

Finally, policymakers should equally make concerted efforts to initiate measures, policies and

strategies for crime reduction in order to create enabling environment for development as no

society can develop in an atmosphere of chaos and criminality.

What Can Be Done to Educate Juveniles on the Engagement of Crime?

There are several strategies for educating juveniles on the engagement of crime:

a) Prevention Programs: Prevention programs are designed to target at-risk youth before

they become involved in criminal activity. These programs aim to reduce risk factors

and increase protective factors through education, mentoring, and counseling.

Research has shown that prevention programs can be effective in reducing juvenile

crime rates (Hawkins et al., 2008).

b) School-Based Programs: School-based programs are designed to provide education

14
 on the consequences of criminal behavior and alternatives to crime. These programs

can be delivered in the classroom or through extracurricular activities such as sports

and clubs. Research has shown that school-based programs can reduce crime and

delinquency among juveniles (Gottfredson et al., 2007).

c) Community-Based Programs: Community-based programs involve collaboration

between community organizations, law enforcement, and social services to provide

education, counseling, and support to at-risk youth. These programs can be effective

in reducing juvenile crime rates by addressing underlying issues such as poverty,

drug abuse, and family conflict (Greenwood et al., 1996).

d) Restorative Justice Programs: Restorative justice programs aim to repair harm caused

by criminal behavior by facilitating communication between offenders and victims.

These programs can be effective in reducing recidivism rates among juveniles by

promoting accountability and empathy (Latimer et al., 2005).

e) Parental Involvement: Parents play a critical role in preventing juvenile crime by

providing guidance, support, and supervision to their children. Research has shown

that parental involvement can reduce delinquency rates among juveniles (National

Institute of Justice, 2009).

Borstal centre is the institution where adolescent offenders receive training in lieu of

imprisonment, in order to reform them under conditions different from those of adult

prisoners. While remand home is primarily a place where young offenders are safely

accommodated during the period of its case being considered in the juvenile justice/court. It

is meant to be a center where a child's character and behavior can be minutely observed and

its needs fully provided for by proper and careful consideration for attention by the probation

15
officer. The juvenile justice administration includes the magistrate (appointed by the chief

magistrate), assessors (usually drawn from the community) and probation officers.

Delinquency is an act or conduct of a juvenile which is socially undesirable or non-

conformed behavior as deviance. Delinquency is a common feature of transition from teenage

to adulthood, and juvenile most usually enhances stable delinquent group with a

corresponding sub-culture which at times leads to adult criminal groups, viz-a-viz delinquent

careers. Thus, delinquency is an illegal/immoral/unacceptable or anti-social behavior

perpetrated by young person that the society does not approve/accept. In Nigeria, juvenile

delinquent is a child (minor) who is below the statutory criminal age of 18 years who

commits an act not punishable as a crime or as an act injurious to others individuals or the

public in the society. He/she is still under the age of authority. He/she is immature, thus

delinquent, but not criminal. Notably, criminals and delinquents are not treated in the same

manner in the justice system. Prisons are meant for adults, while remand homes and borstal

centers are for young or juvenile offenders. The common offences committed by the juvenile

include: theft, arson, loitering, vagrancy, snatching of personal effects, cultism, school

violence, school drop-out, alcoholism, drug/substance abuse, bullying, stealing, burglary,

examination-malpractices, gambling, smoking, sexual offences, assault, murder, telling lies,

truancy, rape, prostitution, vandalism, disobedience, child homicide, robbery, child abuse,

runaway, keeping late hour, weapon carrying and so on. The juvenile justice system in

Nigeria is weak and it has not been given the required attention, despite the fact that Nigeria

is a signatory to several international instruments related to the juvenile justice

administration. Many states of the Federation do not have permanently constituted juvenile

courts; rather magistrate’s courts handle juvenile cases on certain days of the week in a

different room/building. Notably, rules of privacy are common or mandatorily observed in

16
juvenile procedures and all juvenile offenders have automatic right of appeal to the court.

Also, there are dearth of f in the correctional centers, hence majority of the juvenile

delinquents are sent to the adult prisons. Thus, juvenile justice system is dysfunctional in

Nigeria. However, there is the need to correct the young children from going astray. Hence,

borstal homes were established by the federal government to rehabilitate and reform the

young criminal offenders. While the remand homes/welfare home/juvenile homes as may be

applicable are owned by the state government. Borstal institution in Nigeria can be found in

Kwara, Ogun, Kaduna and Lagos state owned by the federal government. Every state of the

federation has at young offenders. The juvenile justice system in Ondo State is done in the

magistrate court or special section in the court of law.

2.2 Theoretical Framework

2.2.1 Social Strain Theory

The social strain theory was propounded by Merton in 1957. Merton proposes that a society

instills in its citizen’s objectives for ascending movement and a desire for selected goals.

Merton suggests in his theory that humans are compliant organisms who only violate the law

when the disconnection between goals and means becomes so great that the individual

believes he or she can no longer pursue socially authorized goals by means of legitimate

channels. According to Merton, a society that lay emphasis on goals over the means to obtain

these goals, and that restricts access to opportunities for genuine improvement is establishing

the conditions for future delinquency.

Agnew’s (1992) general strain theory offers a promising framework for understanding

juvenile delinquency. A foremost type of strain according to Agnew’s general strain theory

comprises facing unpleasant events or conditions, including aversive situations at home,

particularly arguments and violence (Broidy, 2001). The social strain theory proposes that
17
adolescents or juveniles are compelled into delinquency by negative emotional reactions that

result from being placed in an aversive status quo from which they cannot escape.

The conventional standpoints, led by several prominent American scholars including Robert

K. Merton, Albert. K. Cohen, Richard Cloward, and Lloyd Ohlin put posits that deviance

may occur when an individual’s socially unwavering hopes for financial success and the

opportunity to achieve them are unmet (Pals, 2015). The present-day perceptions, advocated

by such scholars as Steven F. Messner, Richard Rosenfeld, and Robert Agnew, tend to focus

on the macro-structural arrangements and extend their analyses to interactions between

individual behaviors and innumerable sources of strain in society (Lily et al., 2015). Emile

Durkheim, a leading French sociologist, studied the effect of anomie in Europe in the late

19th century and presented an early account of strain theory. Anomie denotes a condition in

which orthodox traditional models break down due to modernization, urbanization, and

industrialization (Durkheim, 1951). According to Di Cristina (2016), classical strain theories

proposed that variations in the social order could lead to the ineptitude of societal structures

and that when economic institutions do not function, other bodies, such as family or

educational systems, are affected. Certain individuals, feeling unsettled during this time of

change, do not identify with societal standards and thus, violate social regulations and are

more willing to be involved in criminal activities (Anderson & Dyson, 2002).

Expanding on Durkheim’s observations of the effects of anomie, Robert K. Merton, an

American sociologist, studied the underlying forces involved in and the impact of fast

societal changes, such as development, mass immigration and industrialization in American

society in the early part of the 20th century (Lilly et al., 2015). Merton (1938, 1968)

explained deviance using psychological and structural facets. He projected that realizing the

objective of an American Dream–living an affluent and luxurious life–was an individuals’

18
priority. They may even commit crimes when they do not have access to assets to achieve

this goal (Merton, 1938, 1968). The author offered devices to elucidate how an individual

adjusts to the gap between goals and resources which includes: conformity, innovation,

ritualism, and upheaval. While conformity involves an individual’s acceptance of social

structures and their best efforts for accomplishment regardless of inadequate means and

resources, innovation explains an individual’s attempts to accomplish the cultural norms for

success, including the use of dishonest means (Merton, 1938, 1968). He then stressed that

while agitation embroils working against social norms and expectations, retreatism is the

extraction of individuals from the existing social reality through substance abuse behaviors.

In conclusion, he expressed that ritualism highlights the mutual practice of going through the

motions of daily life without regard for the existing societal standards (Merton, 1938, 1968).

From the social justice viewpoint, classical strain theorists did not ponder variance prospects

among individuals in gaining access to resources as social injustice. For example, Murphy

and Robinson (2008) describe American society in the 1930s as stratified on the basis of race,

ethnicity and birthplace. However, in his study, Merton did not investigate how resources

were disseminated amongst individuals belonging to various social classifications. He simply

assumed that the middle and elite classes were entitled to the honor of controlling means and

resources in society. As a result, there was no attempt to critique how those individuals

occupying positions of privilege or control might have exercised power and resources at the

cost of those who were in inferior positions in an undue society. The supposition that

individuals will achieve their desired goals if they work hard does not always work in a

socially stratified society (Ngo, 2008).

In terms of bureaucratic justice, classical strain theories did not campaign for the right of

inhabitants to partake in making verdicts about the dissemination of social goods. In

19
intergroup relations, those in positions of power and privilege, not always those who are

hardworking, dictate where and how to apportion resources that further strengthen or advance

their own social status (Pastrana, 2010). They can use tactics such as discrimination and

marginalization to thwart those belonging to inferior groups from avowing influence in

resource distribution or reallocation. Furthermore, classical strain theories did not query

structural imbalances that allow and perpetuate differential access of citizens to legal and

economic resources. As Anderson and Dyson (2002) pointed out, Merton was not critical in

probing the role of government in addressing social strains, but simply considered inequality

as a cause of strain that can result in individual indignation or anger. In other words, deprived

individuals, no matter how exasperated they are with social conditions and arrangements,

were thought to have no right to influence changes in societal structures and should simply

follow those arrangements.

In addition, without scrutinizing these societal changes with the perspective of

intersectionality, the concerns of multiple locations and social identities that create repression

among social classes were ignored in Merton’s strain theory. As indicated, although the

stratifications of social structure into different classes (including elite, middle, working, and

lower classes) based on race, ethnicity, or birthplace were acknowledged, the imbalance in

power relations among classes based on these social categories was not further investigated.

To recognize this issue, the lens of intersectionality further requires a systematic examination

of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and social locations, which are revealed

through an understanding of multiple identities occupied by individuals (Almeida et al. 2019;

Hernández & McDowell, 2010). It also requires an emphasis on the social relations involved

in the process of the uneven distribution of power among various social groups in order to

understand the intersection of privilege and oppression, resulting in multiple social identities

20
that individuals located in their social circumstances (Hernández & McDowell, 2010). Also,

it is critical to understand the process such social signifiers trigger with respect to various

social inequalities and injustice, which in turn affect multiple dimensions of an individual’s

life as well as a community (Hernández & McDowell, 2010). Therefore, the lens of

intersectionality rejects a fixed, determined way of perceiving a social structure and its

stratification, as in Merton’s strain perspective. Moreover, it allows for an open perception of

multiple social identities that can be acknowledged in order to examine intersectional social

realities experienced by individuals, and it relates with broader social structures.

Robert Agnew (1992) emphasized on individual behaviors but lengthened the sources of

strain in society. In his general strain theory (GST), Agnew (1992) debated that strains or

stressors increase the likelihood of undesirable feelings, such as anger and frustration, and

that these feelings could create burden to alleviate the strain, and delinquency is one

conceivable response. He pigeon-holed three core groups of strains: 1) strains as goal

impasses that thwart individuals from attaining positively valued goals; 2) strains as the

exclusion of positively treasured motivations from individuals, such as the loss of a close

friend or end of a relationship; and 3) strains as the existence of negative stimuli such as child

abuse and mistreatment. Delinquency, in this perspective, could be a way for modifying a

situation, for shielding or recovering positive stimuli, for nullifying negative stimuli or as a

reaction to the failure to attain, guard or salvage positively valued goals (Agnew, 2001; Pals,

2015).

Agnew (2001) further explained that strains could be objective or subjective. Whereas

objective strains encompass events or conditions that are disliked by most individuals (such

as lack of adequate food and shelter), subjective strains refer to events and circumstances that

are disliked by the person who has or is facing them. He pointed out that an individual’s

21
emotional response to occasions or conditions is closely connected to subjective strains and

that the same subjective strain may result in rather different emotional reactions for different

individuals. Agnew (1992) maintained that stressful events and conditions do not always lead

to crime and that whether they end up in crime hinge on an individual’s lack of expertise and

resources to handle strains in an applicable fashion. Given the center on an individual’s

capability to act aptly in response to life stressors, irrespective of the social structures that are

assumed to provide a stable, consensual society, GST aligns with the functionalist orientation

(Poulter, 2005).

In terms of social justice, Agnew did not endeavor to contextualize an individual’s abilities

and access to resources in collective group experiences. The importance of GST on an

individual’s response to strains has weakened the need for a dire consideration of stressors in

the dominant-subordinate relations among social groups. Social strains, through the

intersectionality and social justice lens, can be either oppressive and/or a negative impact of

systemic oppression. When a society is stratified on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, class,

and other social classifications, influential groups can inaugurate unjust structures which not

only strengthen or advance their privilege but also exploit members of a subordinate group.

Through various domineering apparatuses, as well as systemic violence, they can inspire

stressful events and conditions that block members from subordinate groups from their

aspired goals (Barata et al., 2013). They can build negative feelings among members of a

disadvantaged social group–not due to personal frustration with the inability to adapt, but due

to the antipathy of social injustice. For example, without recognizing and challenging

dominant-subordinate relations among social groups and their role in creating strains,

solutions for the unequal representation of racial minorities in the justice system could easily

be limited to individual reform in specific ethnic communities, and ignore confronting the

22
structural barriers that have prevented racial minorities from accessing resources to achieve

life success (Ngo et al., 2015; Shade et al. 2011; Shannon & Hess, 2019).

23
 CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Methodology gives ample details as to how the research was carried out; that is, how the

sources were gotten, the area of study, samples, as well as method of data collection.

3.2 Study Area

This research was carried out in Nigeria, precisely in Zamfara state specifically. The reason

for carrying out research in this aforementioned state is simply because of the researcher’s

current geographical location. However, the research was focused more on the state capital

(Gusau), that was where data and findings were gotten. The area was selected due to the fact

that although it is the state’s capital, it houses a large amount of juveniles who are on the

streets for one reason or the other. Most of which have been involved in several delinquent

acts in one way or the other. The area of focus is on the causes and solution to ending

juvenile delinquency in the region and possibly Nigeria at large. Many juveniles involve in

delinquent acts due to the rate of poverty and negligence of their family. Therefore, this

research will bring out these causes and aim to proffer a solution.

3.3 Design of Study

This study was carried out using quantitative research method. The quantitative method,

which relates to the measurement of the quantity, rather than the quality. The research

questions reflect an enquiry that seeks to avoid the prejudice of existing theoretical

explanation and assumptions. Merely basing this study on other researchers’ assumptions or

findings will only render this research unworthy; therefore, the qualitative and quantitative

approach was adopted in order to get the facts based on the long lasting nature and changes
24
the topic has experienced thus far. For this research, data was sourced from various sources

documents (including journals, articles, and books). The case study design that was adopted

was useful in acquiring rich and reliable data. The theory(s) which were used turned out to be

suitable to the exploratory nature of this research as it saved the researcher from the restraint

of analyzing the data from an already established theoretical construct. Instead, the acquired

data provided the referent from which theory construction became possible. More details of

how this was used are seen in the section under “Data Processing”.

3.4 Population of Study

The research was conducted in Nigeria, but specifically Zamfara State in the state`s capital

Gusau, Gusau is located in North West region of Nigeria. Gusau is located north of a line

drawn from Kebbi to Kano in Nigeria. Its diverse ethnic population consists mostly of the

Fulani, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Igala, and Nupe ethnic groups which has an area of 3,364 km

(2,090 mi) and a population of 383,162 (2006 population and housing census). in the

Northern region of Zamfara where the researcher was located at the time of conducting the

research, also due to the fact that there are a lots of juvenile cases in the region. Juvenile

delinquency is very rampant in Zamfara. Although not much is being said about it in the

media, juvenile delinquency is turning out to be a major cause for alarm in the society.

Juvenile delinquency extends to all parts of Nigerian states, but it is more pronounced in

some. However, for the purpose of this research, the study was conducted in Gusau area of

Zamfara state.

3.5 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

This research took the quantitative approach and as a result focus on large number. Hence,

the numbers give quantitative study depth and breadth, This study focused on a limited

25
number of observation and interview but gained highly detailed and contextualized

information from the personalized approach. The Purposive Sampling Technique (PST) was

adopted in carrying out survey questions by the researcher. It is a selective or subjective

sampling tool that relies on the interviewer’s judgment. Although, it lends itself to subject

bias and error in judgment, PST was greatly useful in the strategic and purposeful selection of

cases and respondents whose experiences and views are considered relevant to answering the

research questions as well as capable of providing rich information. Hence, it is both cost and

time-effective and appropriate for the context-based research. Questionnaires were distributed

to participants to get answers from their feedback. Also, some individuals were interviewed

orally although there was a bit of a language barrier, thanks to the help of my assistant, that

part was scaled through. One hundred and twenty (120) participants were involved in the

process of acquiring information.

3.6 Method of Data Collection

This research deals with human subjects and more importantly focused on the Gusau region.

However, due to distance barrier, not many local governments or locations were covered. As

such, the research was primarily based in Gusau and a survey was carried out by handing

questionnaires to various participants and by interviewing individuals on separate occasions

in order to get vital information and feedback from the society. The fieldwork and data

collection effort have spanned a period of two month beginning in late 2022. Out of one

hundred twenty (120) questionnaires that was shared, 115 participants were able to responded

to the interview questions given to them and returned them. Out of the 115, 41.7% of the

participants were female while the remaining 58.3% were male. This percentage of boys to

girls as a result of the sharia system in the region. Many of the young girls found it

uncultured to be spoken to or interviewed by a stranger on the road. In addition to the random

26
interviews and questionnaires, several books and journals were also used as a guide and as

reference to guide the authenticity of the research.

3.7 Method of Data Analysis

An interpretive content analysis process was adopted. This involved comparing data and

maintaining openness to exploring that what is being interpreted is happening in the data. The

large chunk of the interview data was gotten from youths in the locale. The evidence from the

survey data, which are direct quotations from the respondents were used in addition to

content analysis of relevant documents to support the answers to the research questions.

Hence, the researcher used data triangulation technique whereby the interview data is

checked against the document data or used to support claims made in the interviews. Data

triangulation was also useful in the analysis to identify variations in perspectives and views

shared by respondents. Theories such as Social Strain Theory, Merton’s Strain Theory and

Agnew’s General Strain Theory were also applied especially to see how information

emerging from the data reinforces or challenges existing knowledge.

3.8 Problems Encountered on the Field

The field work and data collection were carried out in Gusau Local Government Area of

Zamfara state, during the process of acquiring vital information that is necessary for the

purpose of this research, questionnaires were shared to various participants in Gusau

Metropolis of Zamfara state. There were various problems encountered on the field as a result

of the sharia system in the region , where many females find it uncultured to be spoken to or

interviewed by strangers on the road. As a result of this, getting across to the female

population of Gusau was a problem. Another major problem encountered In the field is high

level illiteracy which causes communication barrier. This is because majority of the

27
population here in Gusau don’t know how to communicate in English language, they are

more conversant with communicating in Hausa language. Which posed as problem between

the interviewer and the interviewee. Majority of the respondents find it difficult to Speak,

read or write in English, so most of them were unable to understand what is written in the

questionnaires. I was able to overcome most of this challenges with the help of a research

assistant that is conversant with the do and don’ts of the region as well as have a good

communicating skill of Hausa and English language .

28
 CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter present results of the study. Research questions were answered for the purpose

of the study using frequency percentages. The data collected from the field through the

instrument of questionnaires shall be analyze and interpreted accordingly after which the

findings that arose from the study shall be discussed in line with the specific objectives of the

study. The results are stated below.

4.2 Socio-demographic Characteristics of Respondents

The table below shows the socio demographic characteristics of respondents. First is the sex

of the respondents, which the males are 58.3% while the females are 41.7% . This percentage

of males to females is as a result of the sharia system in the region. Many of the females

found it uncultured to be spoken to or interviewed by a stranger on the road. The age which

range from Below 18 has 2.6%, from 18-27 has 65.2%, 28-37 has 25.2%, 38-47 has 6.1%,

while 48& above has .9%. The age range from 18-27 dominates the study with 65.2%. The

Religion of the respondents are Islam 60.9%, Christianity has 39.1%. the religion that

dominates is Islam which has 60.9% due to the geographical location in which the study was

carried out is dominated by Muslims. The occupation of the respondents are, Business owner

29.6%, civil servants 9.6%, student 60.9% .students dominate by the occupation of the

respondents with 60.9%. The ethnicity of the respondents are, Hausa has 41.7%, Yoruba has

27.8%, Igbo has 9.6%, while others comprises of Idoma , Edo, Basange, Tiv, Igbera, Jaba,

Nupe, Igala e.t.c has 20.9%. The ethnicity of the respondents is dominated by Hausa which

have 41.7% due to the geographical location of the study which is dominated by Hausa

people.
29
4.2.1 socio-demographic variables

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

SEX Male 67 58.3 58.3 58.3

Female 48 41.7 41.7 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

AGE below 3 2.6 2.6 2.6

18

18-27 75 65.2 65.2 67.8

28-37 29 25.2 25.2 93.0

38-47 7 6.1 6.1 99.1

48 & 1 .9 .9 100.0

above

Total 115 100.0 100.0

RELI Islam 70 60.9 60.9 60.9

GION

Christi 45 39.1 39.1 100.0

anity

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Occupa

tion

30
 Busine 34 29.6 29.6 29.6

ss

owner

civil 11 9.6 9.6 39.1

servant

Student 70 60.9 60.9 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Ethni Hausa 48 41.7 41.7 41.7

city

Yoruba 32 27.8 27.8 69.6

Igbo 11 9.6 9.6 79.1

Others 24 20.9 20.9 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

4.3 Data Analysis

4.3.1 Q6: Have you witness crimes committed by children?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 80 69.6 69.6 69.6

No 35 30.4 30.4 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the above table 69.6% respondents agreed that they have witness crimes committed by
31
children ,while 30.4% have not witness crime committed by children.

4.3.2 Q7: How often do children engage in crime?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Always 19 16.5 16.5 16.5

sometimes 60 52.2 52.2 68.7

Rare 36 31.3 31.3 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows how often do children engage in crimes according to the respondents,

16.5% of the respondents said always, 52.2% said sometimes, while 31.3% said children

rarely engage in crimes .This table shows that 52.2% of children in Gusau local government

area of Zamfara state engage in crimes.

4.3.3 Q8: Where does crimes committed by children take place?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Home 36 31.3 31.3 31.3
School 66 57.4 57.4 88.7
religious 9 7.8 7.8 96.5
centers
Others 4 3.5 3.5 100.0
Total 115 100.0 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the above table respondents were asked where does crimes committed by children take

place. 31.3% agreed that it takes place at home, 57.4% said it take place at school, 7.8% said

32
it take place at religious centers, while 3.8% respondents said it take place in other places

apart from home, school and religious centers. Majority of the respondents which makes

57.4% agreed that crimes committed by children take place at school.

4.3.4 Q 9: What type of crimes are committed by children?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Bullying 36 31.3 31.3 31.3

Fighting 22 19.1 19.1 50.4

Stealing 39 33.9 33.9 84.3

Assault 14 12.2 12.2 96.5

sex crime 4 3.5 3.5 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows the crimes that are committed by children according to the

respondents, 31.3% went with bullying. 19.1% fighting , 33.9% stealing , 12.2% assault,

while 3.5% said sex crimes. According to the respondents the majority of the crimes

committed by children is stealing.

33
4.3.5 Q10: How often do children use weapons in committing crime?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Always 12 10.4 10.4 10.4
sometimes 39 33.9 33.9 44.3
Rare 64 55.7 55.7 100.0
Total 115 100.0 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows how often do children use weapons in committing crime , 10.4% of

the respondent choose always, 33.9% said sometimes , while 55.7% said children rarely use

weapons in committing crimes.

4.3.6 Q11: What type of weapons do children use in committing crime?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Sticks 17 14.8 15.5 15.5
Stones 25 21.7 22.7 38.2
Knife 38 33.0 34.5 72.7
sharp objects 20 17.4 18.2 90.9
Cutlass 10 8.7 9.1 100.0
Total 110 95.7 100.0
Missing System 5 4.3
Total 115 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the above table it shows the weapons that children use in committing crime, 14.8%

respondents said stick , 21.7% said stones , 33.0 said knife , 17.4 % said sharp objects , 8.7%

said cutlass while 4.3% respondents did not write down the weapon children use in

committing crime.

34
4.3.7 Q12: Age categories of children committing crime .

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid 1-10 30 26.1 26.1 26.1
10-20 83 72.2 72.2 98.3
20-30 2 1.7 1.7 100.0
Total 115 100.0 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows the age categories of children committing crime, the categories was

grouped with an age interval of 10, 26.1% of the respondents agreed with children in between

the age of 1-10, 72.2% agreed with children in between the age of 10-20, while 1.7% of the

respondents choose children in between the ages of 20-30 years old as the categories of

children committing crime.

4.3.8 Q13: Do children who engage in crime get arrested?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid yes 44 38.3 38.3 38.3

No 71 61.7 61.7 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows 38.3% of the respondents agreed that children who engage in crime

get arrested, while 61.7% of the respondents disagreed that children who engage in crime get

arrested after they commit crime.

35
4.3.9 Q14: If arrested, do they get prosecuted?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 26 22.6 22.6 22.6

No 89 77.4 77.4 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows if the children who get arrested for committing crime are being

prosecuted after they are have been arrested, 22.6% of the respondents agreed that they are

being prosecuted, while 77.4% of the respondents who takes the majority disagree that the

children who are arrested are being prosecuted.

4.3.10 Q15: Do you think juvenile delinquency increase as a result of inadequate

parenting?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid agree 80 69.6 69.6 69.6

disagree 35 30.4 30.4 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the above tables it shows if juvenile delinquency is as a result of inadequate

parenting ,69.6% of the respondents agree that juvenile delinquency is as a result of

inadequate parenting, while 30.4% disagree that juvenile delinquency is as a result of

inadequate parenting.

36
4.3.11 Q16: If juvenile delinquency is as a result of inadequate parenting how?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Negligence 27 23.5 55.1 55.1

Bad 22 19.1 44.9 100.0

parenting

Total 49 42.6 100.0

Missing System 66 57.4

Total 115 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows those the respondents that agree that juvenile delinquency is as a

result of inadequate parenting ,23.5% said its as a result of negligence from the parent ,19.1%

said its as a result of bad parenting, while 42.6% of the respondents do not agree that

inadequate parenting is the cause of juvenile delinquency or left the question unattended .

4.3.12 Q17: Is peer pressure a cause of juvenile delinquency?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Yes 92 80.0 80.0 80.0
No 23 20.0 20.0 100.0
Total 115 100.0 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 80.0% of the respondents agree that peer pressure is the cause

of juvenile delinquency, while 20.0% disagree that peer pressure is the cause of juvenile

delinquency in Gusau metropolis .

37
4.3.13 Q18:Is mass media a cause of juvenile delinquency?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid yes 98 85.2 85.2 85.2

no 17 14.8 14.8 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 85.2% of the respondents agree that mass media is the cause of

juvenile delinquency, while 14.8% disagree that mass media is the cause of juvenile

delinquency.

4.3.14 Q19: Does ones environment contribute to juvenile delinquency?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid yes 113 98.3 98.3 98.3

no 2 1.7 1.7 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 98.3% of the respondents agree that one’s environment

contribute to juvenile delinquency, while 1.7% disagree that one’s environment to juvenile

delinquency.

4.3.15 Q20: Is broken family a cause of juvenile delinquency?

38
 Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 95 82.6 82.6 82.6

No 20 17.4 17.4 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 82.6% of the respondents agree that broken family is the cause

of juvenile delinquency, while 17.4% disagree that broken family is the cause of juvenile

delinquency in Gusau metropolis.

4.3.16 Q21: If the broken family is not the cause of juvenile delinquency specify.

Frequency Percent

Missing System 115 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that the respondents is of the opinion that broken family is the

cause of juvenile delinquency or they left the question unattended to.

39
4.3.17 Q22: Does excess indulgence of drug abuse promote juvenile delinquency?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Agree 107 93.0 93.0 93.0

disagree 8 7.0 7.0 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 93.0% of the respondents agree that excess indulgence in the

use of drug abuse promote juvenile delinquency, while 7.0% disagree that excess indulgence

in the use of drug abuse promote juvenile delinquency.

4.3.18 Q23: What other causes of juvenile crimes do you know?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid peer pressure 18 15.7 22.5 22.5
Bad friends 25 21.7 31.3 53.8
social media 11 9.6 13.8 67.5
Bad 12 10.4 15.0 82.5
environment
Movies 14 12.2 17.5 100.0
Total 80 69.6 100.0
Missing System 35 30.4
Total 115 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows the other causes of juvenile crimes according to the

respondents,15.7% choose peer pressure, 21.7% Bad friends, 9.6% social media, 10.4% bad

friends, while 12.2% choose movies as the other causes of juvenile crimes in Gusau
40
metropolis.

4.3.19 Q24: Juvenile who engage in crimes can go into armed robbery.

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid agree 96 83.5 83.5 83.5

disagree 19 16.5 16.5 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 83.5% agree that children who engage in crime can go into

armed robbery, while 16.5% disagree that children who engage in crimes can go into armed

robbery.

4.3.20 Q25: Can female children who engage in crime end up in prostitution?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 102 88.7 88.7 88.7

No 13 11.3 11.3 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 88.7% of the respondents agree that females who engage in

crime end up in prostitution, while 11.3% disagree that they end up in prostitution.

4.3.21 Q26: Children who engage in crime end up being drug addicts.

41
 Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid agree 102 88.7 88.7 88.7

2.00 13 11.3 11.3 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table shows that 88.7% of the respondents agree that children who engage in crime

end up being dug addict, while 11.3% disagree that they end up being drug addict.

4.3.22 Q27.Does juvenile crimes lead to terrorism?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 100 87.0 87.0 87.0

No 15 13.0 13.0 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 87.0% of the respondents agree that juvenile crime lead to

terrorism, while 13.0% of the respondents are not of the opinion that juvenile crime lead to

terrorism.

42
4.3.23 Q28: Does children who engage in crime drop out of school?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid agree 98 85.2 85.2 85.2

disagree 17 14.8 14.8 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows that 85.2% of the respondents agree that children who engage in crime

drop out of school, while 14.8% disagree that they drop out of school.

4.3.24 Q29: What other consequences of juvenile crime you know?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid drug abuse 17 14.8 30.9 30.9
petty crimes 9 7.8 16.4 47.3
Incarceration 9 7.8 16.4 63.6
Truancy 6 5.2 10.9 74.5
increase in crime 14 12.2 25.5 100.0
rate
Total 55 47.8 100.0
Missing System 60 52.2
Total 115 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the table above it show how the respondents answered when they were asked what other

consequences of juvenile crime do they know, 14.8% said drug abuse, 7.8% petty crimes,

7.8% incarceration, 5.8% truancy, 12.8% increase in crime rate.

4.3.25 Q31: Other consequences of juvenile crime you have observed in your
43
community?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Bad morals 13 11.3 33.3 33.3
Stealing 12 10.4 30.8 64.1
Sex crimes 5 4.3 12.8 76.9
Cultism 4 3.5 10.3 87.2
Untimely 5 4.3 12.8 100.0
death
Total 39 33.9 100.0
Missing System 76 66.1
Total 115 100.0
Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows what other consequences of juvenile crimes the respondents have

observed in their community, 11.3% said bad morals, 10.4% stealing, 4.3% sex crimes, 3.5%

cultism and 4.3% untimely death.

4.3.26 Q32: Do you think the government have done something to educate juveniles

about crime?

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Yes 49 42.6 42.6 42.6
No 66 57.4 57.4 100.0
Total 115 100.0 100.0
The table above indicates the respondents opinion on if they feel the government have done

something to educate juveniles about crime in Gusau metropolis, 42.6% agreed that the

government have done something to educate juveniles about crime, while 57.4% disagree.

44
4.3.27 Q33: Do you think that good parenting will reduce the rate of juvenile crime?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 107 93.0 93.0 93.0

No 8 7.0 7.0 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows that 93.0% of the respondents think that good parenting will reduce

the rate of crime, while 7.0% disagree that good parenting will reduce the rate of crime.

4.3.28 Q34: Has educational support prevented juvenile crime?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid yes 98 85.2 85.2 85.2

No 17 14.8 14.8 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The above table indicates that 85.2% of the respondents agree that educational support have

prevented juvenile crime, while 14.8% disagree that educational support have prevented

juvenile crime.

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4.3.29 Q35: Has mentoring reduced juvenile crime?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 81 70.4 70.4 70.4

No 34 29.6 29.6 100.0

Total 115 100.0 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

In the table above it shows that 70.4% of the respondents agree that mentoring have reduced

juvenile crime, while 29.6% of the respondents disagree that mentoring have reduced juvenile

crime.

4.3.30 Q36: If mentoring have reduced juvenile crime, how?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid proper guide 15 313.0 41.7 41.7

Giving good 6 5.2 16.7 58.3

advise

Counseling 15 13.0 41.7 100.0

Total 36 31.3 100.0

Missing System 79 68.7

Total 115 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above shows how mentoring have reduced juvenile crime, according to the

respondents 13.0% of juvenile crime have been reduced through proper guide, 5.2% through
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giving good advice, 13.0% through counseling, while 68.7% of the respondents either did not

agree that mentoring have reduced juvenile crime or they left the question unattended.

4.3.31 Q37: What do you think is the best way to reduce juvenile crime?

Valid Cumulative

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid educating juvenile 18 15.7 25.0 25.0

parental guidance 23 20.0 31.9 56.9

counseling 2 1.7 2.8 59.7

Government 16 13.9 22.2 81.9

intervention

Good environment 4 3.5 5.6 87.5

Mentoring 9 7.8 12.5 100.0

Total 72 62.6 100.0

Missing System 43 37.4

Total 115 100.0

Source: fieldwork, 2023

The table above indicate what the respondents think is the best way to reduce juvenile crime,

15.7% think the best way to reduce juvenile crime is by educating the children, 20.0%

through parental guidance, 1.7% through counseling , 13.9% through government

intervention, 3.5% through good environment, 7.8% through mentoring, while 62.6% of the

respondents leave the question unattended.

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4.4 Presentation and Discussion of Findings

From the research carried out, it can be deduced that the rate of juvenile delinquency in

Zamfara state is on a high scale. The study shows that there are several factors which leads to

juvenile delinquency and they are as follows: poverty, poor parenting, peer pressure, lack of

basic social amenities among others. These vices are known to make the younger ones

engage themselves in mischievous acts and crimes in the society.

According to Lipsey and Derzon 2018, juveniles under the age of 12-14 are influenced into

delinquent acts through peer pressure- the feeling of wanting to be among. Youths therefore

engage in delinquent acts such a as smoking, drinking, cultism and all manner of evil societal

acts.

Sadly, studies have shown that a high number of juvenile offenders find themselves still

involved in these criminal acts even after been punished. This is strongly attributed to the

severity of the crime committed and the measures put in place to curb the crime and

rehabilitate the juvenile. According to Snyder and Sickmund 2006, 60% juvenile offenders

are re-arrested for crimes.

According to the study, juvenile delinquency has a strong consequence in Gusau Local

Government Area of Zamfara State. It turns out that most of the Juveniles end up becoming

school drop out. Also, some begin to form gangs.

However, the study shows that all hope is not lost as a lot can be done to educate juveniles

agains crimes. According to Hawkins et al, 2008, prevention program such as education,

mentoring and counseling has proved to be a good way of preventing juvenile delinquency.

Also, the creation of school based programs with extracurricular activities is another factor

that can be used to prevent delinquent acts. Furthermore, according to the National Institute

of Justice, parents play a very pivotal role in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. Parents

should get close to the kids and always communicate with them.
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 CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

Juvenile delinquency prevention is the broad term for all efforts aimed at preventing youth

from becoming involved in criminal, or other antisocial activity. Because the development of

delinquency in youth is influenced by numerous factors, prevention efforts need to be

comprehensive in scope. Prevention services may include activities such as substance abuse

education and treatment, family counseling, youth mentoring, parenting education,

educational support, and youth sheltering. Increasing availability and use of planning

services, including education and contraceptives help to reduce unintended pregnancy and

unwanted births, which are risk factors for delinquency. It has been noted that often

interventions may leave at-risk children worse off than if there had never been an

intervention. This is due primarily to the

fact that placing large groups of at risk children together only propagates delinquent or

violent behavior. "Bad" teens get together to talk about the "bad" things they've done, and it

is received by their peers in a positive reinforcing light, promoting the behavior among them.

5.2 Conclusion

In conclusion, juvenile delinquency is a complex and multifaceted problem in Gusau Local

Government Area and Nigeria at large that requires a comprehensive approach to address. The root

causes of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria are numerous and may include poverty, lack of education,

family dysfunction, peer pressure, and exposure to violence. Additionally, the Nigerian justice system

has been criticized for being ineffective and failing to provide adequate rehabilitation services for

young offenders. To address the problem of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria, it is necessary to

implement a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation

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strategies. Prevention efforts should focus on addressing the underlying causes of juvenile

delinquency, such as poverty and lack of education. Intervention strategies should aim to identify at-

risk youth early and provide them with the necessary support and resources to prevent them from

engaging in delinquent behaviors. Rehabilitation services should focus on the needs of young

offenders and provide them with the skills and resources necessary to successfully reintegrate into

society.

Overall, addressing juvenile delinquency in Nigeria requires a concerted effort from government

agencies, community organizations, and individuals. By working together and implementing

evidence-based strategies, it is possible to reduce the incidence of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria

and provide young people with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

5.3 Recommendations

A well organized institution with its collective personnel can initiate necessary changes in the

youths conceptions. The government and voluntary organizations should be involved in

fighting these delinquent acts through the following ways:

1. Recreational facilities should be provided for our youths.

2. Parents should be enlightened on the effects of unmet needs like starvation (food),

parental care and affection, etc. on their children to enable them (parents) make

adjustment.

3. Government should provide employment opportunities for youths.

4. More social worker’s should be trained and deployed in schools to help in behavior

modification of the children.

5. Avenues should be created for complain to the social welfare.

6. Parents should adopt a method of positive and negative reinforcement.

7. Government should stop pornographic films and some American films where our

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 youths learn techniques in stealing and destruction of properties.

8. Government should give greater thought to setting up more amenities in the rural

areas.

Kindly provide your reference page and make sure all cited works are properly referenced.

You also need to provide the Appendix I at the end of the reference.

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