ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN SECURITY MANAGEMENT FOR SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY: THE JALINGO EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The security of life and property is essential in human civilisation since it fosters social capital and economic prosperity. Recent events indicate that the State's security framework is overburdened and ineffectual, attributed to diverse security difficulties and factors such as corruption and the misappropriation of security funds. In this context, security is a collective responsibility. This highlights the necessity for Non-Governmental Organisations and Institutions to address the challenge and bridge the gap, therefore presenting a job for the Church. This study investigated the Church's role in addressing security concerns and found that, despite the State's failure in efficient security management, the Church has not succeeded in assuring the safety and protection of its believers and society. Consequently, the study advised that the Church should actively engage the government and its security forces to ensure the protection of citizens. Additionally, it should establish a private security organisation to safeguard its members and the community. The Church ought to regularly conduct lectures on security strategies and safety networks for its congregants. Most importantly, it should ardently advocate for policies aimed at empowering youth and women to alleviate poverty and prevent idleness among citizens. Consequently, malefactors who pose security threats will be deprived of the personnel they exploit due to their impoverished
state for recruitment with minimal incentives.