Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Chukwuemeka Eze has predicted a rise in urban crime.

He hinted that due to the underdeveloped rural areas, migration from the rural communities to the cities has increased.

The rate at which people are moving from the rural areas to the developed cities is increasing at a fast pace, this he says has led to the increase in urban crimes.

“Urban crime is going to increase in Africa in a short to long term because the rural communities are not been developed and therefore it means that the continuous migration from the rural communities to the urban cities will continue and when this happens it means there will be competition in the urban centers.”

His prediction comes after the xenophobic attack on Nigerians living in South Africa which has left 7 dead and several injured.

The executive director of WANEP, however, condemned the act, which he describes as a dent on the motive of pan-Africanism.

He advised the South African government to address the issue.

Chukwuemeka Eze also noted that the subject of corruption and anger has been the driving force of violence hence must be addressed; adding that funds meant for the youth and development are been squandered by unknown people.

“I think it’s rather unfortunate, it is a departure of pan-Africanism… it is important to address the issue of anger that is fueling violence on the streets of South Africa and to also address the issue of corruption that have permeated the society in South Africa where now the resources that are supposed to go for development and of the youth is being found in people’s pocket. It is important to address that.” He advised.