Urban Pressure and Crime Involvement among Youths in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

                @article{CRSIJ26000470,
                  author = {Allahnana Rukaiyat, Bala Moses},
                  title = {Urban Pressure and Crime Involvement among Youths in Nasarawa State, Nigeria},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2026},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {2},
                  pages = {798-813},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000470.pdf},
                  abstract = {This study explored Urban Pressure and Crime Involvement among Youths in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the rationale for crime involvement among youths, assess the impact of youth crime involvement on communities, and propose effective measures for reducing youth crime involvement in Nasarawa State. Geographically, the study was limited to the urban centres of Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga Local Government Areas (LGAs). Grounded in Strain Theory of Robert K. Merton, data were collected across the three targeted LGAs using 600 structured questionnaires and 30 in-depth interviews with youths, community leaders, and law enforcement agents. From the distributed questionnaires, 501 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, alongside thematic analysis for the qualitative interviews. Findings revealed that urban pressures, led by unemployment and high cost of living, significantly drive youth crime involvement. Furthermore, youth criminality significantly impacted communities by heightening fear, suppressing business activity, and eroding trust. Provision of employment opportunities and market-aligned vocational training were proffered as key preventive measures.},
                  keywords = {Youth, Crime, Investigation, Survival and Strategies},
                  month = {September}
        }