Benue government suspends Chief Press Secretary and Chief of Staff for joining “End Benue Genocide” protest

The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth And media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has suspended his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, for participating in the End Benue Genocide protest. 
 

On Sunday,  June 15, Benue youths took to the streets to protest against the incessant k!llings in the state. 
 

The protest came after around 200 people were k!lled between Friday, June, 13, and Saturday,  June 14, when armed invaders attacked Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area in Benue State. 

After angry youths took to the streets to call for an end to the killings, Terver sent a letter to two aides who took part in the protests. 

In a letter dated Sunday night, June 15, Terver accused the two aides of undermining the state government’s position by joining the protest. 

“This letter serves as formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspensions from your positions as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, effective June 14, 2025,” the letter stated. 

“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.”