Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has called for urgent and thorough action to combat the growing involvement of young people in crime across Nigeria, which he says is impacting communities nationwide.
He spoke on Friday at the inauguration of a new committee aimed at addressing juvenile crime prevention and control.
Represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, Egbetokun said, “I am delighted to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police and his team acknowledge the devastating effect or impact of crimes and offences being committed by young people, call them teenagers, juveniles, or adolescents, on our communities across the country.”
The IG noted that the issue needs to be tackled from the root, which he believes begins within families. “The IG recognises the urgent need for a comprehensive approach, as well as concerted efforts and commitments towards addressing the root causes of behavioral problems of young people,” Dankwara added.
Egbetokun explained that family is a central factor in the rise of juvenile offenses and that the solution to reducing youth crime also lies there.
He highlighted a new partnership with the Centre for Family Peace, a non-governmental organization, which he believes will help redirect young people away from crime. “He has graciously given his express approvals for this partnership… to enable us to join forces in tackling this national challenge,” Dankwara said.
Chinedum Ikogwe, the Executive Director of the Centre for Family Peace, shared his thoughts on the problem. He attributed the rise in juvenile crime to a lack of parental attention in children’s upbringing. Ikogwe stated, “This project was born out of the need to address the challenges of crime and criminality among juveniles.”
Ikogwe also mentioned that the project aims to reach all 36 states, with plans to educate families and communities on preventing juvenile crime.
