Benue Govt Suspends Chief Press Secretary And Chief Of Staff For Joining ‘End Genocide’ Protest

The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has suspended his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, for taking part in the recent “End Benue Genocide” protest.

The protest, held on Sunday, June 15, was led by angry youths who marched through the streets to demand an end to the ongoing killings in the state.

The demonstration followed a violent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reported killed between Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14.

Shortly after the protest, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph issued a suspension letter to the two aides, accusing them of going against the stance of the state government.

The letter also noted that during their suspension, both men are barred from performing any official duties or representing the office in any capacity.

It reads, “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. 

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face, had called for urgent action to stop the bloodshed in Benue State following a recent attack that left hundreds dead.