CRIME IN PUBLIC TRANSIT: A STUDY OF ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), NIGERIA

Abstract

Safety occupies a central theme in public transport. It affects consideration for the travel pattern and level of patronage in public transport. Globally, crime has become a social problem across towns and cities particularly along major bus-stops, transport routes, and other public places along public transit. This study examined crime in public transit in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. Four hundred questionnaires (that cover twelve wards of AMAC) were administered to collect information from passengers, drivers and other operators of the public transit. Descriptive statistical technique was used to analyze the data. The results show that crimes such as theft, assault and battery, armed robbery, kidnapping, and rape/assault exist in AMAC. Most crime hot spots are located at the peri-urban area, along transport corridor, on-transit, bus stops and road intersections. There is the need for the intensification of proactive policies and programmes which include public education and installation of CCTV for surveillance along some strategic flash points of criminal activities.