The Kwande Community Leaders have strongly condemned the consistent and unprovoked verbal attacks against Kwande people by Kunav Sons. The condemnation stems from the recent attack and defamation by Governor Hyacinth Alia against a renowned scholar and respected Kwande Son, Prof. Joseph Alakali, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, labeling him a thief at a Thanksgiving Service organized in honour of the new Secretary to the State Government, Dcns. Deborah Serumun Aber, at NKST Church Ikpayongo, Gwer East Local Government.
The Community Leaders expressed disappointment in the Governor, citing the statement as unjust, insulting and a deliberate attempt to blackmail and ridicule Kwande people before the public. Prof. Alakali’s tenure as Secretary to the State Government was marred by total humiliation, where he was deprived of his entitlements, not even an official car. It is therefore unconscionable that the Governor would now maliciously label him a thief, perpetuating a grave injustice and ridiculing the entire Kwande community.
The leaders described Governor Alia’s actions as public defamation and abuse of office, and noted that allegations of theft should be investigated by law enforcement agencies and not pronounced arbitrarily, especially in a religious gathering as this undermines the principle of fair hearing and justice.
The continuous attack against Kwande people by Kunav Sons appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Kwande Local Government and its people in the political landscape of Benue State, sowing division rather than promoting unity and inclusivity.
Recall that recently, one Denen Achussah of Kunav extraction, in a shocking display of online harassment, posted a Facebook comment that insulted the entire Kwande community using extremely vulgar and derogatory language, which was not only demeaning and disrespectful but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes and caused widespread offense.
The Kwande Community Leaders strongly condemn the persistent attacks against their community, viewing them as demeaning and disrespectful. They urge Kunav leaders to intervene and caution their Sons and daughters from launching unprovoked attacks and insults against Kwande. Furthermore, the Kwande Community Leaders demand that Governor Alia retract his statement by issuing a formal and unreserved apology to Professor Joseph Alakali and the entire Kwande community, as no court has proven Prof. Alakali a thief.
