COMMUNITY BASED RESPONSES TO DRUG ABUSE AND CRIME IN JOS BUKURU METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined community-based responses to drug abuse and crime in Jos-Bukuru metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. The problem addressed is the growing concern that drug abuse and drug-related crime persist in urban communities despite formal law enforcement interventions, while local preventive, control and rehabilitative efforts remain insufficiently documented. The specific objectives were to identify community-based preventive, control and rehabilitative strategies, assess their perceived effectiveness, examine the actors involved, identify major implementation constraints and propose measures for strengthening community-centred responses. The study was guided by Structural Functionalism and Routine Activities Theory. Structural Functionalism explains drug abuse and crime as outcomes of weakened social institutions, strained roles and inadequate regulation, while Routine Activities Theory explains crime through the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets and inadequate guardianship. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 380 adult residents using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from 34 purposively selected community leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders and security stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and chi-square, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings showed that awareness campaigns were the most common response strategy, reported by 79.5% of respondents. Collaboration with law enforcement was reported by 64.7%, neighbourhood vigilance by 57.4%, religious and moral counselling by 56.3%, and referral or rehabilitation support by 35.3%. Overall effectiveness was rated as moderate by 56.3% of respondents. Major constraints included unemployment, poverty, inadequate funding, stigma, fear of reprisal, weak coordination and limited access to rehabilitation services. The study concludes that community responses are necessary but require stronger institutional support, accountable community policing, accessible treatment services and socio-economic interventions for vulnerable youths.