BREAKING NEWS: Benue gov’s aide suspends staff for participating in anti-killings protest

 The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Joseph, has suspended his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, effective June 14, 2025.

The decision was announced on Sunday, June 15, 2025, citing their participation in protests against the ongoing killings in the state as actions contrary to the state government’s directives.

In a letter addressed to the two aides, Terver accused them of undermining his authority and breaching the trust of their positions.

The suspensions are indefinite, and both officials are barred from performing any duties or representing the office during this period. The protests, led by hundreds of Benue youths in Makurdi, were sparked by a recent attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

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”.

According to reports, 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.