Josephine Oguntoyinbo & Babatunde Ayedoju

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Experts in criminology have attributed the propensity of Nigerians to resort to jungle justice at the slightest provocation as a sign of lack of confidence in the criminal justice system and security operatives in the country.

The experts who said jungle justice is neither right nor legal but criminal, cautioned the youths against the trend.

Dr Daniel Ikuomola from the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, said it is strange people still resort to jungle justice in this modern age. He however blamed it on the poor state of the economy that has led many people frustrated.

He also regretted that law enforcement agencies are usually not able to intervene promptly whenever such issues occur, unlike what is obtainable in other climes.

While decrying the rate at which suspected yahoo boys drive flashy cars on the highways without proven driving skills, the seasoned sociologist noted that a stable socio-economic system would easily address the trend.

He said, “If things are working well, people will have confidence in the state. If youths graduate and get jobs, others will want to go to school.”

While noting that a higher level of literacy would reduce people’s tendency to take to crime, Ikuomola said, “If we have more legitimate opportunities, people will not resort to illegitimate activities. In this case, legitimate opportunities are no more there, and people are looking for every means to survive.”

Former Chairman Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Akure branch, Mr. Rotimi Olorunfemi condemned in strong term the resort to jungle justice which he described as criminal.

He affirmed that the act could not be justified under any circumstance, no matter the slow pace of the judicial system, saying it is not an alternative.

He called for re-orientation of the populace on the need to toe the path of law, adding that jungle justice is barbaric and uncivilized.” jungle justice is not justice at all, it is not sensible.”

“Even God still asked Adam in the garden of Eden before passing judgement, despite the fact that he is his creator, he didn’t judge them without asking, that is the essence of life.”

To get it right in the society, he posited that people must toe the line of fair hearing and justice without taking law into their hands or face the consequences.

Another sociologist, Dr Mrs. Kemi Adebola, stated that whatever seems to be going wrong among the youths is a reflection of the state of the society as a whole.

She said that internet fraud has become a menace because things are not working well in the country. She decried that youths’ right to education and employment are not catered for, noting that addressing such issue promptly will reduce crime rate and the level of aggression among the populace.