Big Brother Naija reality star and billionaire heir, Terseer Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has responded to widespread backlash following his public call for donations to aid victims of the recent massacre in Benue State.
Over the weekend, suspected armed herdsmen launched a brutal attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, reportedly killing over 200 people and displacing hundreds more. The heinous incident has drawn condemnation nationwide, with renewed calls for urgent security and humanitarian intervention.
Reacting to the tragedy, Kiddwaya, whose family hails from Benue, took to social media through his Kiddwaya Foundation to solicit financial donations from the public to assist affected families. However, what was intended as a philanthropic gesture quickly spiraled into controversy.
Nigerians online were quick to question Kiddwaya’s sincerity, with many pointing to his ostentatious lifestyle displayed on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Critics argued that a man of his wealth should have personally funded relief efforts rather than soliciting public donations.
The backlash was swift and intense, forcing the reality TV star to take down the donation post shortly after it went live. But instead of retreating, Kiddwaya issued a statement addressing the criticism head-on.
“I am happy with the attention that I am getting, because it shines the light on how important the Benue crisis is. So I thank you all,” Kiddwaya said in a follow-up post. “However, the money donated will be used to help some of the families affected to provide shelter, clothing, feeding, and medicine.”
He also invited victims or families directly affected by the violence to reach out to his foundation via email for assistance. “Please email us if you are affected, and we will do our best to assist with your urgent needs,” he added.
Despite his clarification, Kiddwaya’s gesture remains divisive. While some have applauded his attempt to draw national attention to the crisis in his home state, others—including controversial social commentator VeryDarkMan—have continued to accuse him of insensitivity and self-promotion.
“Don’t beg for money when you live a flashy life,” VeryDarkMan said in a now-viral video. “You can help quietly or rally other rich elites to take action without asking ordinary Nigerians who are already struggling.”
In the wake of the criticism, several NGOs and civil society groups have also cautioned celebrities against using crises as optics for social media engagement. However, they acknowledged the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts for the victims of the Yelewata massacre.
Meanwhile, local leaders and cultural organizations such as the Idoma Forum and Tiv traditional councils have called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue, lamenting the repeated failure of security forces to protect vulnerable communities.
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to Kiddwaya’s initiative or the public criticism it generated. However, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack and pledged to intensify security measures across volatile areas.
As at the time of filing this report, no suspects have been arrested in connection with the massacre, which is one of the deadliest attacks in the state this year.