Challenges Confronting Vigilante Groups in Effective Crime Control in Benue State, Nigeria

Vigilante groups’ contributions to crime control are invaluable. However, the activities of vigilante groups have faced operational and institutional challenges. These challenges have negatively affected the operations of vigilante groups in crime control in Benue State. The study investigated the challenges of vigilante groups in crime control in Benue State with a view to suggesting ways of curbing those challenges for enhanced effectiveness of vigilante groups in Benue State. Three Local Government Areas – Katsina-Ala, Makurdi, and Oturkpo, were selected across the three Senatorial districts in Benue State for the study. The population of the study comprised vigilante operatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers and members of the public. The study adopted a survey design. Questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) were used to generate data from 367 respondents using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were deployed for the selection of respondents and interviewees. Twelve interview sessions were conducted across the sampled Local Government Areas. The quantitative data were presented in frequency and percentages while qualitative data were presented in narrative form. The study identified lack of logistics, shortage of crime fighting equipment, absence of enabling legal instrument for the operation of vigilante groups, human rights violation, corruption, insufficient training among vigilantes and vested interests, as the challenges of vigilante group in the study area. The study recommends the enactment of laws recognizing vigilante groups; provision of needed crime fighting equipment by stakeholders; adequate funding, provision of logistic support as well as proper training and reorientation of vigilante operatives to respect the fundamental human rights of suspects.