The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has sacked his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, for participating in protests against the ongoing killings in the state
In a letter issued on Sunday night, Terver accused the two aides of working against the directives of the state government. The suspension, effective June 14, 2025, was described as “immediate and indefinite.”
The letter read in part:
“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 dismissals came just hours after hundreds of outraged Benue youths staged a major protest in Makurdi, the state capital, calling global attention to the unrelenting attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The latest outrage follows a deadly assault on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed, sparking widespread grief and anger across the state.
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SMH
Good for them