The COVID-19 pandemic has generally induced mass panic and threat across the world, including Nigeria, due to the perceived uncertainties, fears and insecurities in the communities. Based on this backdrop, this study examined COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity in Nigeria. Convenience accidental sampling was used to administer 1671 copies of a questionnaire on residents through an online/electronic survey. Data collected were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Findings revealed that the spike in crime during the COVID-19 lockdown period is relatively higher than usual with disruption of public peace, theft and rape accounting for the most prominent crime. Meanwhile, most respondents experienced crime incidence between 6 pm and 12 midnight. Ironically, idleness, poor spatial arrangement/planning, poor governance and poverty were the major catalysts for the crime spike during the lockdown, while fear-of-fear (phobophobia) and declined socio-economic capacity were predominant effects of crime experienced. The Fisher’s exact test results revealed a significant relationship between the surge in crime and COVID-19-restrictive measures. The study concludes that the insecurities during lockdown periods have caused both temporary and permanent physical and psychological havoc; hence, it recommends quick advancement of the built environment with smart security measures and social supports for the citizenry during the pandemic.

This article examines the safety and security of intra-urban transport in Ilesa, Nigeria. Using multistage sampling, six political wards were selected: three from the high-density area, two from the medium-density area, and one from the low-density area. In all 300 copies of the questionnaire were administered. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages and the Relative Importance Index (RII) that was employed to analyze five different variables with a view to measuring either their relative importance or frequency. It was found that crimes and crashes punctuate transport safety and security in Ilesa, and that the vulnerability of trip makers to these crimes and crashes varied by mode. Speeding, recklessness, and drunk driving topped the chart of causes of accidents. Also owners of private cars were found to be the safest and most secure group of trip makers, whereas commercial motorcycle passengers and pedestrians were found to be the most vulnerable groups to transit crimes and crashes, respectively. Furthermore, the agencies responsible for traffic control and management were found to be wanting in some key functions with implications for safety and security. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are proffered to enhance transport safety and security in the city.

There is an array of studies documenting community preparedness to flooding in towns and cities, particularly those in countries of the developing global south. However, fewer studies have investigated how cultural and social factors influence flood preparedness. In this article, we discuss the role of cultural and social attributes and how these can influence a community’s preparedness to extreme flood events, with a focus on selected urban communities in Nigeria. Study revealed that despite, the effects of floods on the urban poor residents, they are actively involved and engaged in finding ways to build their adaptive capacity and resilience against flood events by deploying different strategies inspired through cultural and social attributes.