Gov Alia’s PSA Fires Chief of Staff, CPS Over Benue Massacre Protest

Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, the governor of Benue State’s principal special assistant on youth and media mobilization, fired Mr. John Ukeyima as chief of staff and Mr. Lubem Terkula as chief press secretary for opposing the state’s wanton killings.

In a letter written to the two aides on Sunday evening, Terver revealed the information and accused them of conspiring against the state government.

The letter states, “With effect from today, June 14, 2025, this letter acts as formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspensions from your employment as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary.”

Because of your activities, which were judged to be in violation of your principal’s clear instructions, this decision has been taken.
“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”.

According to reports, hundreds of young people from Benue organized a demonstration in the state capital of Makurdi on Sunday to raise awareness of the tragic and ongoing attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The recent attack in the state’s Guma Local Government Area’s Yelewata hamlet, which claimed the lives of about 250 people, served as the impetus for the demonstration.