The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has relieved his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, of their duties for participating in a protest against the spate of killings in the state.
In a statement issued late Sunday, June 15, 2025, Hon. Terver accused the duo of contravention of official directives, describing their actions as undermining the state government’s position.
“This letter serves as formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspensions from your positions as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, effective today, June 14, 2025,” the statement read in part.
The PSA further noted that the conduct of the affected officials constituted a breach of trust and official duty.
“You are to refrain from all official responsibilities and shall not represent this office or myself in any capacity during the period of your suspension,” the letter stated.
Their dismissal follows a large-scale protest on Sunday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where hundreds of youths marched to express outrage over continued attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.
The latest trigger for the protest was a brutal assault on the Yelewata community in the Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 persons were reportedly killed. Protesters called for urgent intervention from the federal government and international bodies to address the escalating insecurity in the state.
