Journal of Christian Religious Studies

Banditry has become a security and humanitarian crisis in contemporary Nigeria, producing killings, abductions, displacement, economic disruption, and the erosion of social trust. Despite extensive attention to its security and socioeconomic dimensions, its religious and moral implications remain underexamined. This study therefore evaluates the effects of banditry from religious and moral perspectives, focusing on human dignity, social cohesion, livelihoods, moral responsibility, and the role of religious institutions in responding to insecurity. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and descriptive-analytical design. Data were collected through documentary sources, including scholarly books, journal articles, religious texts, and studies on banditry, religion, insecurity, and structural violence. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted through Structural Violence Theory. Findings indicate that banditry constitutes both direct and structural violence, causing loss of life, trauma, displacement, livelihood destruction, weakened communal relationships, and moral disorientation. The study is significant because it connects security concerns with religious ethics and responsibility. It recommends moral and religious reorientation, community-based peacebuilding and victim support, improved governance and youth empowerment, and stronger cooperation among security, religious, traditional, and community institutions. The study concludes that peace requires security measures to be complemented by justice, moral accountability, religious engagement, and restoration of social order.

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