Abstract

Experiencing incessant killings in Nigeria in the recent times as a result of bandits, unknown gunmen, herders/farmers clash, and other terrorist attacks ongoing including politically motivated killings, it appears that the value of life is seriously depreciating among Nigerians. This trend has left some villages deserted, children made orphans, parents made childless, houses burnt and generally, degrading of human life. Bearing in mind the place of life in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, with the ever important teachings of the Catholic Church on human life, this work discusses life as a value from Catholic perspective. Using functionalist theory which positions the Church as a part of the society that should contribute in the well-being of the entire society, the position of the Church is presented as fundamental to all in respecting human life. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources of information. This work concludes in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church that life is of prime value which nobody has the right to unlawfully take away starting from embryonic state until the author of life takes it. It recommends concerted effort of the government and the people in protection of life as sacred and the Church should make effort in teaching this truth to all.

Keywords: Incessant killings, Life, Respect, Catholic church