Benue crisis: Governor Alia’s PSA sacks Chief of Staff, CPS over protest

News Update

Principal Special Assistant to the governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph has sacked his Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Ukeyima and Mr Lubem Terkula, respectively, for protesting the wanton killings going on in the state.

Terver made the disclosure on Sunday night in a letter addressed to the two aides, accusing them of working against the state government.

The letter reads, “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”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Benue youths staged a protest in Makurdi the state capital on Sunday to draw global attention to the incessant and deadly attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The protest was triggered by the recent attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of the state where nearly 250 people were killed.