URBAN TRANSPORT SECURITY: ANALYSIS OF TRANSIT CRIME IN OSOGBO, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper assesses transit crimes in Osogbo, Nigeria. Six political wards were selected across the residential areas of the town and a questionnaire was administered on 450 respondents. Data were analysed using percentages, the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Chi-Square tests. The study found that pickpocketing, armed robbery, and assault and battery were among common transit crimes in Osogbo, and that transit crime vulnerability varied by mode. A significant relationship was found between transit crime experience and socioeconomic characteristics. Poor policing, economic hardship, poor street system and the absence of CCTV topped the chart of causes of transit crimes. The commercial motorcycle was the least secure transport mode, while official vehicles were the most secure mode. Furthermore, security agencies were rated very low in transit security provision. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are proffered to enhance urban transport security in the city.

Keywords

• transit crime
• transport security
• okada
• korope
• Osogbo