Traditional Methods in Crime Prevention and Moral Development: A Case Study of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of traditional methods in crime prevention: Continuity and change in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area (IILGA), Akwa Ibom State. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 787,233 indigenes of IILGA from which two sets of samples consisting of 20 and 380 were selected using snowball sampling technique and systematic sampling technique respectively. Meanwhile, to arrive at a 400 sample size, the Taro Yamane formula was adopted. The primary data were collected using a mixed approach consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitatively, data collection was done using semi-structured interview guides, whereas a questionnaire entitled “Traditional Methods of Crime Prevention Scale (TMCPS)” was utilized for quantitative data collection. These instruments were validated by experts. Data analysis was done both quantitatively and qualitatively using simple percentage and thematic discussion of the respondents’ views and perceptions about preventing crime. The findings revealed that a modified form of traditional methods such as Mbiam, and Ukang were capable with uncontrollable speed to deter potential anti-social behaviour and keep society morally sound and justified. Also, the extent to which these traditional methods (ukang and mbiam) still influence behaviours and prevent crimes are high. This was similar to the results to the extent to which they still retain their originality. It is recommended among others that the traditional institutions should bring up a blueprint/template containing the modified methods of preventing crime as complementary or alternative strategies to the conventional criminal justice system (CCJS).