The Apathy of Nigerians towards Accident Victims: Lessons from the Christian Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

Abstract

The duration of the sick condition of many accident victims in Nigeria has been unduly elongated, sometimes culminating in painful deaths, as a result of the neglect of these victims by those who were supposed to offer immediate help but turned onlookers at accident scenes. This attitude of indifference, however, appears to be justifiable in Nigeria, as interveners have revealed how they were dissuaded from further intervention, by the aftermath of their former intervention, or decision to do so. This then constitutes a problem and point of interest for the patriotic Nigerian. Is this apathy of Nigerians towards accident victims really justifiable? In other words, how much right or wrong does one do when one neglects an accident victim who needs one's help or assistance? A balanced answer to this query should stem from, among others, a study of the causes of this apathetic attitude. Hence, the paper critically analyzed this uncharitable apathy, as well as its justifications or causes in the country. With the use of a phenomenological method of research, it was found among others, that Nigeria police harassment and medical logistics are some of the causes of the apathy. However, lessons were drawn from the Christian parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) in order to encourage charitable interventions in accident/disaster scenes.