Role of Vigilante Groups in Crime Prevention and Control in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study provided information on the role of community vigilante organisations in crime prevention and control in Ile–Ife. This was with a view to documenting and appraising various measures adopted in reducing criminal activities. The study identified the factors leading to the formation of community vigilante groups as recognised units of crime prevention in Ile-Ife and investigated measures deployed by community vigilante groups to fight and control criminal activities, as well as assessed the effectiveness of community vigilante groups in crime prevention and control. Qualitative method, demonstrated by the use of in-depth interviews guides, was employed to collect data from 58 key informants. The data were collected from residents of Ile Ife, and selected through stratified and purposive techniques. The study concluded that vigilante groups played an important role in crime prevention and control at the community level. Their role was/is complementary to the statutory function of the Nigeria Police Force.