Reality TV star Kiddwaya has responded to the backlash he received after appealing for donations to support victims of the recent killings in Benue State.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate had on Wednesday called on Nigerians to contribute to a fundraiser organised by his Kiddwaya Foundation to provide aid for displaced families in the state.
But the appeal was met with heavy criticism, with many social media users accusing him of hypocrisy due to his public display of wealth.
Reacting in a statement posted on his social media pages on Thursday, Kiddwaya said his intention was genuine and not an attempt to gain attention.
“I’ve seen the comments. I hear the backlash. I didn’t post about Benue for clout, I posted because I genuinely care. I am a Benue indigene and a proud Benue man,” he wrote.
“What’s happening there breaks my heart, and I couldn’t just look away. I took the donation post down because I saw the pain and misunderstanding it caused, not because I’m ashamed of helping, but because I respect your voices, even the angry ones,” he added.
The reality star said the killings in Benue remain the real tragedy.
“Right now, people in Benue are being attacked. Families are being torn apart. Lives are being lost,” he said.
“The Kiddwaya Foundation was built for moments like this, to step in where help is needed most. I will not stop caring. I will not stop showing up when lives are on the line. Even if it’s not on social media. Even if it’s misunderstood,” he added.
Kiddwaya, who is the son of billionaire businessman Terry Waya, came under fire after posting a flyer requesting donations ranging from N500 to N500,000.
Several users criticised him for not using his own wealth to support his home state, with others pointing to past posts in which he flaunted his luxurious lifestyle.
Online personality VeryDarkMan also condemned the donation call, referencing claims that Kiddwaya once spent $30,000 on jollof rice and lost €70,000 in Ibiza, arguing that people from Benue need security, not food.
Kiddwaya, whose full name is Terseer Waya, hails from Benue State.
He rose to fame during the BBNaija Lockdown edition in 2020 and has since remained a public figure known for his opulent lifestyle.
Over 200 people were reportedly killed in attacks on the Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue between June 13 and 14.
Survivors of the attacks have been left homeless and in urgent need of humanitarian aid.