DETERMINANTS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND COMMUNITY-BASED MITIGATION STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY OF KALTUNGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Juvenile Delinquency, Community Prevention, Social Learning Theory, Kaltungo LGA, Youth CrimeAbstract
Juvenile delinquency represents a complex issue within the social context of developing nations, characterized by the violation of legal codes by individuals below the statutory age of majority. In Nigeria, particularly within the Gombe State region, the incidence of juvenile offenses—ranging from substance abuse and vandalism to theft—has followed a concerning upward trajectory, challenged by humans eroding traditional values and rapid modernization. This study investigates the determinants factors contributing to juvenile offenses in Kaltungo Local Government Area (LGA) and evaluates the efficacy of community-centric preventive mechanisms. Quantitative and qualitative data were harvested from a purposive cohort of 50 key stakeholders (n=50), including educators, law enforcement officers, social workers, and community leaders. The study utilized semi-structured instrumentation to ensure a depth of inquiry. Data were subjected to content analysis and descriptive statistical evaluation. Findings indicate a multi-causal framework for delinquency. Peer pressure emerged as the dominant predictor (98% consensus), followed closely by financial instability (90%) and family dysfunction (88%). The study also identified the unregulated proliferation of social media as a modern catalyst for deviant socialization. Crucially, the study reveals a consensus (96%) on the underutilized potential of school-based mentorship and community policing as preventive tools. The study affirms that delinquency in Kaltungo is largely a product of social learning and environmental stressors. It concludes that a synergistic approach involving community awareness programs, school-based behavioural counselling, and strengthened family support systems is essential for mitigating juvenile crime.
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