A political row has erupted in the Kunav community of Benue State following allegations that a prominent community leader threatened violence against anyone who contests against Governor Hyacinth Alia in the 2027 elections, sparking a petition to the Nigeria Police and sharp divisions among community leaders.
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The dispute centres on statements allegedly made by the President General of the Kunav Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji, during a burial ceremony at Mbayongo Council Ward, Vandeikya Local Government Area, on August 9, 2025. According to a petition filed with the Inspector General of Police, Deacon Yaji, speaking in Tiv, allegedly stated that “any Kunav man who contests against Governor Hyacinth Alia in the 2027 elections should be physically attacked and beaten.”
Security Petition Filed
Professor Terhemba Shija of Nasarawa State University, who has expressed an intention to contest the 2027 elections, filed the petition through his legal counsel G.T. Unongo. The petition, titled “Petition Against Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji, President General of Kunav Development Association (KUDA), For Incitement to Violence, Threats to Democratic Participation, and Breach of Peace,” was addressed to the IGP at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command. Professor Shija described the statement as “a direct threat to his life, an attempt to intimidate political opponents, and a violation of his fundamental human rights,” urging authorities to take appropriate action to prevent violence and safeguard democratic participation.
KUDA President Issues Disclaimer
Responding to the allegations, Deacon Yaji issued a disclaimer describing himself as “a Pastor and God fearing son of the Most High God” who would not incite violence against anyone. He characterised his statement as “hyperbolic and meant as a banter for our critics, knowing none would and should come out against His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth I. Alia.”
“As a biological father and also President General (PG) of KUNAV United Development Association (KUDA), I am the father of ALL KUNAV children. I won’t incite violence against or amongst my children,” Yaji stated in his disclaimer. He acknowledged his democratic principles, recognising the possibility of independent candidates outside the APC platform.
Yaji insisted his statement should not be taken out of context or misconstrued as calling for violence within the Kunav kingdom, noting his role as a father figure to all Kunav children.
Community Leaders React
The controversy drew mixed reactions from community leaders. President General of Mbaduku Development Association, Dr. Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi, accepted Yaji’s clarification, describing him as “a father to all KUNAV children” who wouldn’t allow harm to befall anyone. Akweshi stated that “Mbaduku people are not violent people” and are only known for self-defence against aggression.
He called for unity to address “problems of hunger, poverty, and coalesce to bring about more prosperity for the poor and vulnerable people of Benue state,” advocating for democratic discourse and the free flow of ideas.
Dr. Dominics Akaahan also defended Yaji, describing him as “a peace-loving Nigerian and a leader in all ramifications.” Akaahan praised Yaji’s ability to show remorse for minor mistakes and urged that the controversy be allowed to die down naturally.
Strong Condemnation from APC Youth Leader
However, the Benue State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Cephas Tertindi Sado Adom, condemned both Yaji’s alleged statements and similar comments attributed to the Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Mrs. Janet Orukuna. Adom described Yaji’s utterances as “reckless and highly irresponsible,” calling them “uncouth, barbaric, and shameful.”
“Leadership of a sociocultural association is not a license to gag people’s aspirations or to play political thug-master,” Adom stated, urging Yaji to “focus on building Kunav through development, education, and culture, not reducing himself to a political errand boy.”
Adom condemned what he described as lawlessness at the burial ceremony and criticised Deputy Chairman Orukuna for allegedly inciting Kunav youths to commence “rough handling of those who disagree with Governor Hyacinth Alia” in a separate video circulating online.
Constitutional Rights and Democratic Principles
The APC Youth Leader emphasised constitutional principles, stating that “every citizen has the right to aspire, to contest, and to be voted for,” and that no individual has the authority to dictate who can contest elections. He described such statements as “incitement to violence,” exposing “the desperation of those who fear fair competition at the ballot.”
Adom urged all Kunav youths to “immediately and publicly disassociate themselves from such ignoble and shameful statements,” declaring that “Kunav is known for peace, tolerance, and progress, not violence and intimidation.”
Broader Implications
The controversy highlights tensions within the Kunav community as the 2027 elections approach, with community leaders taking opposing positions on democratic participation and political competition. The dispute has raised questions about the role of traditional and community leaders in political discourse and the boundaries of acceptable political rhetoric.
The involvement of security agencies through Professor Shija’s petition indicates the serious nature of the allegations and potential legal implications for statements that could be construed as incitement to violence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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