The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has dismissed 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 dated Sunday night, Terver accused both aides of defying the government’s directives by publicly aligning with the demonstration.
“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 read.
Terver stated that their actions amounted to a violation of official duty and trust.
“Your conduct has been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your Principal.
Such behavior constitutes a serious breach of responsibility,” the letter continued.
He further instructed both officials to withdraw from all official engagements and warned them against representing the office in any capacity during the suspension.
Their dismissal comes in the wake of a large protest held in Makurdi on Sunday, where hundreds of youths took to the streets to condemn the persistent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The demonstration was fueled by outrage over a recent massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed.