Assessment of Jungle Justice Practices in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The prevalence of criminal activities in Abak Local Government Area has motivated inhabitants to adopt jungle justice as a strategy for crime prevention and control. The study was an assessment of jungle justice practices and crime control in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It focused on the underlying causes, patterns, efficacy, and police response to incidences of jungle justice. A descriptive survey design and a mix of in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) were utilised. The Frustration-Aggression Theory guided the study. Sixty-seven (67) youth leaders, community leaders, eyewitnesses and police officers were purposively selected. Data gathered was coded, transcribed and analysed for themes. Findings demonstrated that the primary causes of jungle justice were lack of trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, delayed justice, cultural beliefs and norms of violence to maintain social order, increasing crime rates and social media. Patterns of jungle justice were similar to other places, including lynching, beatings, stripping, burning and destruction of property. Jungle justice, despite being a common practice in the study area, is ineffective in deterring potential offenders and never a sustainable crime-control technique in any society. It further revealed that the police were sluggish in their response to incidents of jungle justice in the study area. This study concludes that jungle justice is not a sustainable strategy for controlling or preventing crime; instead, it breeds insecurity, fear and lawlessness within the community. The study recommends attitudinal change among residents and that traditional rulers, youth and women’s associations, community leaders and religious leaders should sensitise their subjects or members to the illegality and inhumanity of jungle justice.