Homicide has been defined as fatal injuries inflicted by a person against another with intent to injure or kill by any means [1]. Its incidence worldwide shows wide variation with a weighted average of about 9 per 100,000 population [2]. In 2010, more than a third (36%) of the estimated global homicides occurred in Africa [3]. The homicide rate in Nigeria is reported as only 1.5 per 1,00,000 [4] but this is likely an under-estimation due to underreporting. Autopsy studies done in different places in Nigeria indicate homicide rates ranging between 3.1% and 45.3% of medico-legal cases [5-9].
Factors responsible for high levels of homicides in Africa include: economic crisis, food insecurity, weak rule of law, low level of human capital development and high level of income inequality. In the USA, over 25% of homicides have been related to organized crime and the activities of criminal gangs whereas only about 5% are so related in European countries [3].
In spite of the volume of work in the literature, particularly from developed countries, there is a paucity of regional comparative studies of homicides in Nigeria. This study examined the pathology, demographic distribution and circumstances surrounding homicides in two highly populated, economically vibrant states with heterogeneous populations, representing northern and southern parts of Nigeria.
Representing northern Nigeria is Kano state, located in Northwestern Nigeria. Even though it has a heterogeneous population of about 9 million people [10] consisting of virtually all Nigerian ethnic groups, the predominant tribe is Hausa-Fulani and the predominant faith is Islam. Kano city, the capital, is the centre of commerce in the north, thus making trading, the leading occupation. There is low rate of male youth education, and lower still, female education, and high youth unemployment.
About 6 million people [10] on the other hand populate Rivers state, with its capital in Port Harcourt, representing Southern Nigeria. It is dominated by Christians and has over 85 ethnic groups including substantial numbers of foreign expatriate workers. With the operation of many oil companies in the state, majority of the residents are involved in legitimate and illegitimate oil related businesses. There is also high rate of cultism, militancy and protection racketeering.
Against this background, this study was conducted to determine the influence of socio-cultural practices of these two regions on patterns of homicide. Findings from the study will aid in understanding the sociocultural milieu in which these cases occurred and thus facilitate their prevention.