Coronavirus Lockdown and Poverty in Nigeria: Implications forCrime Upsurge in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study explored the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on crime upsurge in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state. The study adopted Robert K. Merton Anomie theory. Correlational study design was utilized. With Taro Yemane formula, the study sampled a total of (399=100%) respondents. Data for the study was gathered through structured questionnaires. However (200=50.1%) copies of questionnaires were retrieved. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the research instrument. Both Probability (simple random, stratified) and non-probability (purposive) sampling techniques were adopted for sampling procedures. Data for the study were analyzed with Simple Percentages, Frequencies and Chi-Square with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Data analysis indicated that Covid-19 lockdown led to the proliferation of specific crime types (armed robbery, cybercrime, burglary, human right abuse, domestic/gender violence, bribery) at different frequencies. Based on the result, the study recommended gradual easing of lockdown, provision of post lockdown palliatives, reduction in job losses by government and provision of socio-economic stimulus to cushion the effects of job loss on criminality among others.