An Evaluation of the Cost of Youth Gang Violence on traders and residents of selected Local Governments in Lagos, Nigeria

The prevalent nature of youth violence in Nigeria undermines the growth of residents and traders in Lagos state, thereby posing a threat to human and economic development. This study inquired into the evaluation of the socioeconomic cost of youth gang violence on traders and residents of selected local governments in Lagos state, Nigeria. The Broken Windows and Strain Theories were adopted for the study. The extant literature was reviewed to justify the research inquiry. Qualitative method and exploratory research design were used to collect data for the study. The study was conducted among the community residents and traders in three market zones (Awolowo/Ojuwoye, Aswani market and Egbede modern market) located at three different local government areas (Alimosho, Mushin and Oshodi/Isolo). The study adopted snowballing techniques for the identification of the residents and traders, while a purposive technique was adopted to interview (15) traders and an accidental sampling technique for the collection of data from (15) community residents. The findings revealed that the prevalence of youth gang violent activities results in civil unrest, regressive economic conditions, loss of lives and properties, vandalism, trauma, among other vices. It is recommended that the use of closed-circuit television be considered, vehicular and police patrols should be stationed where needed, and the government should fully separate the protection and operation of the market from the National Union of Road and Transport or the Road Employees Association of Lagos State, Nigeria. The outcome of the study is expected to enlighten community residents and traders on the proactive process of reporting criminality and delinquent activities to the authorities.