X-Raying poverty as a potent factor of the prevalence of violence and terrorism in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria has the potentials that could make any nation great. However, the high rate of poverty is worrisome, as it leads to social instability and violence in the forms of militancy and terrorism in various parts of the country. Sometimes, these forms of crime are associated with religion, ethnicity and/or politics. Nigeria has one of the world's highest economic growth rates, averaging 7.4% yet this is not felt by the greater populace, as it does not translate to the food they eat, or affects their kind of lifestyle or meets their basic daily needs. The World Bank's economic report of 2014 stated that the level of poverty in Nigeria may have been underestimated as it was found to be as high as33% despite the claim that the nation is Africa's biggest economy. Hunger itself which is often a by product of poverty, is a state of hopelessness and desperation. Desperation and frustration leads to anger and wanton destruction of lives and property. Poverty thus leads to different crimes, such as destruction of lives and properties, kidnapping, and militancy, to mention a few. This paper therefore x-rays the link between poverty and insecurity in the country, and concluded, among others, that government should take urgent step in reducing the rate of poverty through providing social amenities and employment opportunities for the populace. It was also recommended that corruption should be given zero-tolerance and that government officials should be made accountable to the people.