Christian Ethical Appraisal of State Amnesty and Negotiations with Bandits in Nigeria: Implications for Justice, Repentance and Social Order

Abstract

This study offers a Christian ethical appraisal of Nigeria’s amnesty and negotiations with bandits and evaluates how these actions shape justice, repentance, and social order. The problem arises from the negotiations, the granting of amnesty, and the reintegration of groups involved in kidnappings and killings into the society. This act weakens security, emboldens bandits, sustains the violence, and raises fear of secret leaks. Existing studies rarely examine the moral crisis created by these actions. The study adopts Christian Realism because it guides a clear inquiry on justice and political responsibility. The study uses qualitative review of extant literature, personal communication, and pastoral insights. The study employs thematic content analysis. Findings show that the government negotiates with bandits, grants them amnesty and facilitates their community reintegration. This action damages justice and does not show repentance. The study recommends clear justice measures, true repentance demands, and firm steps that protect social order.