An Ethical and Religious Appraisal of the Morality of the Nigerian Civil War (1967– 1970): Implications for Human Relations in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the morality of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) through ethical and religious perspectives and explored its implications for human relations in South-East Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent moral, social, and relational consequences of the war, which remain insufficiently addressed despite extensive historical and political analyses. A qualitative research design, specifically a phenomenological approach, was adopted to capture participants’ lived experiences andinterpretations. The population comprised adult residents, particularly community and religious leaders in South-East, Nigeria with a purposive sample of 20 participants selected for in-depth interviews. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that participants perceived the war as morally complex, with diverse ethical interpretations grounded indeontological, consequentialist, and virtue ethics perspectives. The humanitarian consequences of the war, particularly civilian suffering, were widely regarded as morally unjustifiable. Religious interpretations played a significant role in shaping perceptions,emphasizing themes of suffering, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Furthermore,the study found that the moral interpretations of the war continue to influence human relations in South-East Nigeria, contributing to mistrust, feelings of marginalization, and challenges to national integration, while also fostering resilience and coexistence. The study concludes that the Nigerian Civil War remains a morally contested historical event whose unresolved ethical and religious dimensions continue to shape contemporary social relations. It recommends a deeper integration of ethical reflection and religious dialogue in addressing post-war reconciliation and national cohesion.