Benue Gov’s Aide Suspends Chief Of Staff, Press Secretary Over #EndBenueGenocide Protest
Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph has sacked his Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Ukeyima and Mr Lubem Terkula, respectively, for protesting the wanton killings going on in the state.
Terver made the disclosure on Sunday night in a letter addressed to the two aides, accusing them of working against the state government.
The letter reads, “This letter serves as formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspensions from your position as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, effective today, June 14, 2025.
“This decision has been made due to your actions that have been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your Principal.
“Such conduct is a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.
“During the period of this indefinite suspension, you are to refrain from all official duties and responsibilities, and you are not permitted to represent this office or me in any capacity”.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that hundreds of Benue youths staged a protest in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday to draw global attention to the incessant and deadly attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The protest was triggered by the recent attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of the state where nearly 250 people were killed.
Ahead of the protest, Ukmoni had announced his involvement on Facebook, posting, “Tomorrow morning at wurukum roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching to the Wurukum Roundabout for a peaceful message to Stop Benue K!lli.ngs. We are not here for violence but to Stop Benue K!l.lings. After all #IKnowWhereIBelong This is just the only message we are passing across #StopBenueKillings.”
In another post, he explained what motivated his action, stating, “I saw a video of a woman whose five children and mother were killed and burnt to ashes, I couldn’t help but jump to the street, asking myself ‘what if I’m the one.’”
Reacting to his suspension, Ukmoni wrote on Facebook, “Good morning Hon PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization Hon Krayzeetee Atu Terver, I received your letter via Facebook this morning that you have suspended me immediately and indefinitely.
“I accept my indefinite suspension even though I wasn’t given any Appointment Letter officially.
“You and many people know I am not the type that will ever speak ill or Negative about anybody I have ever worked for or will work for in future no matter the circumstances because I believe Silence is golden when it comes to such.
“So I appreciate the little time we both spent together during this appointment, you are my brother and will always be a brother to me.
“I wish you all the Best in life. thank you after all #IKnowWhereIBelong.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
