- Hon. Atu Terver Joseph has dismissed Chief of Staff John Ukeyima and Chief Press Secretary Lubem Terkula for participating in protests against ongoing killings in Benue State.
- Terver accused two aides of working against state government directives, resulting in an immediate and indefinite suspension effective June 14, 2025.
Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, has dismissed his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula.
According to a statement released on Sunday night, both aides were relieved of their duties for participating in public protests against the ongoing killings across the state. Terver accused them of acting against the directives of the state government.
The suspension, described as both “immediate and indefinite,” took effect from June 14, 2025.
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.
This development comes amid growing public outrage following a brutal attack on the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed. The mass killings have triggered widespread grief, protests, and calls for urgent government action to restore peace and security.
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