Fatshimetrie, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Thursday, revealed interesting information about the reduction in juvenile delinquency in the area. According to the agency, the number of phone thefts has reduced significantly in recent times, as have other petty crimes such as pickpocketing and petty theft.
It is understood that youths who were previously into crime have changed their habits to focus more on football match analysis and lottery games. This shift is said to have contributed to the significant decline in the crime rate, providing a more positive outlook to the youths in the area.
Some witnesses confirmed this, stressing that many youths have found employment opportunities by becoming sports betting agents or lottery ticket sellers. This activity would enable them to earn a living in a more legal and moral manner, thus removing the spectre of idleness and desperation that can sometimes lead to delinquency.
However, some opinions remain mixed. Pastor Gideon Asue, while acknowledging the positive aspects of gambling on youth engagement, warns against viewing it as the only solution to juvenile crime. It is important to strike a balance and not rely entirely on these recreational activities to solve deeper social problems.
In sum, the trend observed in the region suggests that engaging youth in activities such as sports analysis and gambling can contribute positively to reducing delinquency. However, it is essential to continue exploring other complementary solutions to offer youth a promising future and permanently remove the spectre of crime.