Infrastructural Vandalism in Nigerian Cities: The Case of Osogbo, Osun State.

Abstract

Vandalism of infrastructural facilities is a persistent social problem in all the major Nigerian urban centres today. Despite the inadequacy in infrastructural provision, the available facilities have been consistently vandalized by criminals and mob. This has undoubtedly strained the limited resources of the governments at federal, state and local levels. This paper examines the nature, types, location and costs of vandalism as well as identifying the various actors involved in vandalism of infrastructural facilities in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, Nigeria. Questionnaires and interview scheduled were used in eliciting information from the residents of the city and the concerned security agency. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data obtained. The paper revealed a preponderance of male teenagers engaging in vandalism. Also, water pipelines, electricity cables, electrical transformers and telecommunication equipment are more vandalized than other facilities. This has cost the governments and the communities, substantial resources to effect the replacement of repair of the vandalized infrastructure. The paper recommends adequate security to be spearheaded by the inhabitants themselves for the facilities. Provision of employment opportunities to effectively engage the youths of the city is equally considered necessary.

Keywords: Vandalism; infrastructural facilities; vandals; electricity cables; water pipelines