Benue Governor’s Aide Suspends Two Officials Over Protest Participation

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, over their involvement in a protest against the recent killings in the state.

The indefinite suspension, effective June 14, 2025, was announced on Sunday, June 15. In a letter issued to both officials, Atu accused them of acting against directives from his office and undermining the responsibilities entrusted to them.

“This decision has been made due to your actions that have been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your Principal,” the suspension letter reads in part.

“Such conduct is a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.” Both Ukeyima and Terkula have been barred from performing official duties or representing the office during the suspension period.

Their suspension follows a protest held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday. Hundreds of youths took to the streets to condemn ongoing attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, particularly the most recent assault in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed.