The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Joseph, has suspended two key aides—Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula—for allegedly participating in a protest against recent killings in the state.
The suspension, which took effect from June 14, 2025, was officially communicated to the affected officials via a formal letter dated June 15.
Their alleged involvement in the protest, which reportedly defied the stance of the state government, prompted the disciplinary action.
In the letter, Joseph accused both men of disobeying his directives and breaching the responsibilities of their offices. As a result, they are barred from performing any official duties or representing their office in any capacity until further notice.
The suspensions follow a large protest in Makurdi, where hundreds of youths demonstrated over the recent massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that nearly 250 people were killed in the attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The suspension notice read:
“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.
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.
During the period of this indefinite suspension, you are to refrain from all official duties and responsibilities, and you are not permitted to represent this office or me in any capacity.”
The development has stirred debate among political observers and the public, given the sensitivity of the protests and the high death toll from the Yelwata massacre.
