REVISITING THE JUST WAR THEORY

Abstract

Can a war, which means the destruction of human lives and heritage, be just? Are there facets within the confines of reasonableness into which the destruction of human life and resources can be articulated? An Igbo adage maintains: onye jụ ọgụ, ọ naghị ajụ ntụkwụlụ ọgụ. “One who resolves not to fight would suspend the resolution when an aggressor means harm.” When the aggressor is certain and the harm confirmed grave, one may pitch for battle to stop the harm through the principles of double effect and lesser evil.