NIGERIA: Benue Governor’s Aide Suspends Two Staff Over Participation In Anti-Killings Protest

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Atu Joseph, has suspended two senior staff members for joining protests against the spate of killings in the state.

The affected officials, Mr. John Ukeyima, Chief of Staff, and Mr. Lubem Terkula, Chief Press Secretary, were suspended indefinitely with effect from June 14, 2025.

The decision was made public on Sunday, June 15, and was attributed to what Atu Joseph described as actions contrary to government directives.

In the suspension letters addressed to both aides, Joseph accused them of undermining his authority and breaching the trust of their offices by participating in the protests.

“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,” the letter stated.

It further instructed both Ukeyima and Terkula to refrain from all official duties and not to represent the office in any capacity during the suspension period.

The protest that prompted the suspension took place in Makurdi on Sunday, drawing hundreds of youths who marched to condemn the persistent attacks on communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The latest violence occurred in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed.

The demonstration aimed to draw national and international attention to the rising death toll and ongoing insecurity in the state. Protesters carried placards demanding government action and justice for victims.

The indefinite suspension of the two government aides has stirred further debate in the state, with critics questioning the suppression of voices calling for an end to the killings.