VIOLENCE, STATE FAILURE, AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: A RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Violence is now a regular occurrence in our present-day society with detrimental effects on human life and dignity. Indeed, the literal definition of violence being the absence of peace is now the experience in the Nigerian society, with vicious attacks here and there. In each region in Nigeria there are groups that are term either terrorist or extremist in bringing about the disturbance, death and destruction of lives and properties. Nigeria is faced with Boko haram in the Northeast, Bandits in the Northwest and North central, farmers herders clash in the middle belt and IPOB in the Southeast, and Oduduwa agitation in the South-south and south east. The study argues that the persistence of violence cannot be explained solely by criminality or religious extremism but is rooted in institutional weaknesses, poor governance, corruption, social inequality, and moral failures among both leaders and citizens. This paper adopts an interdisciplinary qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis of scholarly literature, government reports, and theological and ethical writings. It argues that while the Nigerian state bears the primary constitutional responsibility for ensuring security and justice, moral responsibility for violence extends to political elites, religious institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and citizens whose actions or omissions either promote or undermine peace. From a religious perspective, the paper contends that every human being possesses inherent dignity grounded in the doctrine of the Imago Dei, thereby making the protection of human life a religious and moral imperative.