Clandestine Role of Religious Bodies in the Nigerian Civil War 1967-1970

ABSTRACT: Religious bodies play important roles in the socio cultural, political and economic survival and development of societies. Their role is even made more prominent in the time of crisis and wars. In most instances when an ongoing conflict requires diplomatic maneuvering in the provision of humanitarian and other assistance, religious bodies present clandestine humanitarian assistance which sometimes come with a lot of risk
factors, these are done with a view to maintain and sustain the faith of citizens and their strengthened believe
that God can send help even in the hours of need.This paper examined the role of the Catholic Church and other
religious bodies in humanitarian and other assistance during the Nigerian civil war, Christian missionary groups
in Biafra played an agenda setting role in the humanitarian drive to prevent a holocaust in the Nigerian Civil
war. Their initial appeal laid the foundation for large scale international relief operations that followed. In spite
of the blockade and poor communication with the outside world, the Christian churches saw it as a duty not to
keep silent and watch people die of starvation and disease. Their activities in humanitarian and other efforts and
the challenges faced is the focus of this paper. The politicization of religion and the religious practice of politics
is very relevant in this instance and religious bodies remain an anchor of evangelistic and humanitarian efforts in
times of war as was presented in the Nigerian civil war.
KEY WORDS: Clandestine, Role, Religious Bodies, Nigeria, Civil War.