Trends and Patterns of Homicides Arising From Interpersonal Violence in Nigeria (2006-2016)

Abstract

Despite the considerable shift that has been recorded in the dimension and patterns of violence involving individuals in primary group relationships in Nigeria, available scholarly research on the phenomenon has been largely narrow with the majority concentrating on spousal abuse. To fill this gap, this study examined the incidence of homicides arising from interpersonal violence between 2006 and 2016. The descriptive design was employed, and social disorganization theory was adopted for its conceptual framework. Data were generated from the content review of a corpus of some Nigerian newspapers' coverage on cases of interpersonal violence that resulted into fatalities. Findings revealed that 516 cases of homicide occurring in a wide range of contexts were recorded in Nigeria between 2006 and 2016. Although instances of violent deaths due to interpersonal violence were recorded in all years considered, we found that the highest share (37%) of the fatalities occurred in 2012. Also, the majority of homicides (58%) due to interpersonal violence occurred in the South-West region. A multilayered approach involving relevant stakeholders is advocated as way of successfully containing the problem.