Criminologist urges FG to utilize data in combating crimes

Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to use data in fighting crime in the country.

Oyenuga, who made the call on Thursday in Ilorin in an interview with newsmen, said government should streamline the data of citizens and other residents to track criminals and nip crimes in the bud.

He lamented that such data has not been  properly harnessed to support law enforcement agencies that need them to resolve crimes swiftly.

Oyenuga, a Fellow of Criminology and Strategic Studies, noted that swift resolution of crimes has a lot of positive multiplier effects on a nation.

“This is because it boosts investor confidence, attracts Foreign Direct Investment and catalyse the country towards economic growth, which ultimately reduces criminal tendencies among the populace,” he said.

He added that giving each crime its deserved attention will accelerate the transition of Nigeria from a developing country to a developed one.

According to him, crime prevention is cheaper than resolving it.

He said while every community has its social deviants, young people needed to be engaged always, so that they do not tilt toward crimes and criminality.

Oyenuga urged parents to win the confidence of their children to be able to positively influence them.

He also counseled adolescents on life after high school and while in institutions of higher learning so that they would turn out to be responsible citizens.