University Don Questions Governor Alia’s Visit to Kwande After Abande Killings
A university professor and Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu, has expressed concern over the failure of Governor Hyacinth Alia to visit Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area during his recent trip to the area, following the killing of residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prof. Gundu, who described himself as “just a voter with one vote,” said the governor’s decision to stop at Anwase instead of proceeding to Abande, where the attack occurred, was troubling and raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting affected communities.
ALIA WILL BE THE 11th PRIEST TO END BADLY AFTER ABANDONING THE CHURCH
Governor Alia had earlier promised to visit Kwande after the attack on Abande, which left several residents dead and others displaced. However, according to Prof. Gundu, the governor did not reach the affected community during the visit.
“Anwase is not Abande,” Gundu stated, pointing out that the governor missed an opportunity to reassure the bereaved people of Abande that their lives mattered and that the state government was capable of protecting them.
He warned that the failure to visit Abande could be interpreted as abandonment by residents of the area, especially given the growing insecurity in Kwande, which he described as a culturally significant and economically strategic part of Benue State.
Prof. Gundu also cautioned against any perception that Abande or any part of Kwande could be ceded or neglected because of security challenges or economic interests, particularly mining activities in the area.
“Kwande is the sacred land of the Tiv people, rich in culture and economic potential. Any attempt to allow this land to be wasted or desecrated will have grave consequences,” he said.
Gundu further criticized local leaders and government officials from Kwande who accompanied the governor but allegedly failed to encourage him to visit Abande, describing such conduct as a failure of responsibility to their people.
According to him, traditional rulers, elected officials, and political appointees must recognize that the protection of their communities is a core responsibility of leadership.
He also called on individuals and entities benefiting from solid mineral resources in Kwande to speak up against insecurity, warning that history would judge those who remain silent while communities are attacked.
Prof. Gundu concluded by urging Governor Alia to reassess his approach, stressing that it was not too late to act.
“Abande lives matter. Turan lives matter. Kwande lives matter. Benue lives matter. Tiv lives matter,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by Prof. Gundu.
