Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Government House Administration, has suspended his Chief of Staff, John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Lubem Terkula.
The suspension, announced on June 16, 2025, was due to their participation in a protest held in Makurdi over killings in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area. The demonstration followed reports that over 250 persons were killed in the area.
According to the suspension letters issued by Hon. Atu, both officials were removed for what was described as a “breach of trust” and “working against government directives”. The suspensions are indefinite.
The protest in Makurdi had drawn the attention of the public and security agencies, with demonstrators reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of security in the region. During the protest, some participants reportedly confronted the Benue State Commissioner of Police.
No official statement has been issued by Governor Hyacinth Alia or his media office regarding the suspension of the two aides. However, the action signals disciplinary measures within the administration for staff involvement in public demonstrations deemed contrary to internal directives.
Hon. Atu Terver Joseph oversees administrative functions within the Government House. His action follows previous engagements between state officials and community stakeholders on security matters in affected areas.
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