Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, has suspended two of his senior aides for taking part in a protest against the killings in the state.
The suspended officials, Mr. John Ukeyima (Chief of Staff) and Mr. Lubem Terkula (Chief Press Secretary), were relieved of their duties with immediate effect, according to a letter dated Sunday, June 15, 2025.
The letter accused both men of disobeying official instructions by participating in a public demonstration that allegedly contradicted the position of their principal.
“You are hereby suspended indefinitely from your roles as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, effective immediately. Your actions are considered a direct challenge to the authority and directives of this office,” the letter stated.
It further directed the two men to withdraw from all official duties and refrain from speaking or acting on behalf of the office or its leadership.
The suspension came in the wake of a massive protest held in Makurdi on Sunday, where hundreds of young people voiced anger over repeated attacks in the state.
The latest incident that sparked the protest reportedly occurred in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where scores of residents—some reports say up to 250—were killed by suspected herders.
The protest aimed to draw national and international attention to the rising insecurity in the state, even as tensions continue to rise over the government’s handling of the crisis.
