MAKURDI — The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Joseph, has suspended two of his top aides indefinitely for participating in a protest condemning ongoing killings in the state.
The suspended officials are Chief of Staff Mr. John Ukeyima and Chief Press Secretary Mr. Lubem Terkula. Their suspension, which takes effect from June 14, 2025, was formally announced on Sunday, June 15.
In a suspension letter addressed to the duo, Atu Joseph cited “undermining authority” and “breach of trust” as the reasons behind the action, stressing that their involvement in the protest went against the directives of the state government.
“This decision has been made due to your actions that have been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your Principal,” the letter read. “Such conduct is a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.”
The protest, which drew hundreds of youths to the streets of Makurdi, followed a gruesome attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 residents were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The letter further stated: “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 demonstration aimed to draw both national and international attention to the persistent violence and bloodshed in the state. Many protesters accused the authorities of silence and inaction in the face of the worsening security situation.
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly met with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume to discuss peace initiatives. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has deployed more officers to the troubled areas in a bid to curb further violence.
The indefinite suspensions have sparked fresh debate around the tension between political loyalty and citizens’ right to protest, especially in times of humanitarian crisis.
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