CHRISTIANS’ RESPONSE TO INSECURITY IN LAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE

Abstract

The study examined the Christians’ Response to Insecurity in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. The paper focused on the Yandang communities of Lau local government area of Taraba State. The majority of the people that live in this area are Christians. The 21st Century has become a century where most if not all, adults have increasingly become aware that social, political, ethnic, and religious tensions are inescapable both at local, national, and international levels. Aggressors who continually want to dominate others to satisfy their expansionist ambition and other selfish interests have infiltrated our world. What should be the practical Christian response to the threats being posed by Fulani Militia, Niger Delta Militia, Boko-Haram, bandits, and religious fanatics? The data for this research is gathered from library research, oralinterviews, and personal observations The paper explored Martin Luther's public theology on the practical Christian response to the unprovoked attack of the Turks on Europe of his day and the responsibility of the Christian under two governments theory. As citizens of temporal and spiritual kingdoms, Luther argued that Christians are expected to fulfill their role of existence on earth, including self-defense. Thus, this paper believes that self-defense is the most practical Christian response to the challenges of insecurity in Lau Local Government Area. It argued that Christians should take up arms as responsible citizens whenever and wherever is necessary for self-defense but should refrain from starting a war or participating in a war of aggression. The finding showed that the Yandang Christians responded by using the second theory of Martin Luther’s which said the earth is full of problems, and it is not perfect. It gave conclusion and some recommendations.