Benue Governor’s PSA Sacks Top Aides for Joining Anti-Killings Protest

The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has sacked his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, for participating in a protest against ongoing killings in the state.

In a letter issued late Sunday, June 15, Terver accused the two aides of acting contrary to the directives of the office and undermining the state government. The suspension is immediate and indefinite.

“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,” 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.”

The letter also warned both aides to refrain from any official duties or public representation of the PSA’s office during the suspension period.

The protest that sparked the action took place on Sunday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where hundreds of youths gathered to denounce the continuous and deadly attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The demonstration followed a particularly brutal assault in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 residents were reportedly killed.