"This is Calabar South; shine your eyes" : Urbanization and Insecurity in Nigeria, case study of Calabar metropolis and its effects on state- society relations

It is common to describe some parts (especially the satellite zones) in the metropolitan areas of Nigeria as hot spots for crimes or high-risk zones: Ikorodu in Lagos, Ikwere in Rivers State, Warri in Delta State, etc. From this context, it is obvious that some areas possess characteristics that encourage or entrench crime and violence. This paper focuses on one of such contemporary high-risk zones in Cross River State, Nigeria: the Calabar South. We argue that the accelerated growth of urbanization has amplified the demand for key services in Calabar metropolis and that the provision of shelter and basic services such as water and sanitation, education, public health, employment, and transport has not kept pace with this increasing demand. Therefore, accelerated and poorly managed urbanization has resulted in various types of atmospheric, land and water pollution, and violent crimes which in turn jeopardize human security in the area and creates hate-sentiments between the dwellers of Calabar South and the administrative authorities. We utilize qualitative research methodology. Oral interviews and questionnaires serve as primary sources utilized while an extensive literature represents the secondary sources utilized here-in. We arrived at the conclusion that the increased environmental, social and economic problems associated with rapid urbanization are the causes of high-risk zones.