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Pattern of homicides in Nigeria--the Ile-Ife experience
1Dept of Morbid Anatomy, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife.
West African Journal of Medicine
|January 28, 1999
Summary
A study of 202 homicide victims in Ife, Nigeria, revealed that most victims were males aged 20-40. Firearms and cutting instruments were the most common weapons used in these homicides.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Public health
- Criminology
Background:
- Homicide presents a significant public health challenge globally.
- Understanding demographic and weapon trends in homicides is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
- Previous studies have documented various aspects of homicide patterns in different regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic characteristics of homicide victims in Ife, Nigeria.
- To identify the types of weapons most frequently used in homicides within the study area.
- To compare findings with international homicide data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 202 homicide cases.
- Data collected from October 1977 to December 1988 in Ife, Nigeria.
- Victim demographics and weapon types were systematically recorded.
Main Results:
- The male to female ratio among victims was 4.6:1.
- The peak age group for victims was between 20 and 40 years.
- Firearms accounted for 37% of homicides, followed by cutting/piercing instruments (35%) and blunt force (18%).
Conclusions:
- Homicide in Ife disproportionately affected young to middle-aged males.
- Firearms and sharp instruments were the predominant weapons.
- The observed patterns align with findings from other geographical locations, suggesting commonalities in homicide dynamics.