The secretary involved in the recent Benue protest was Mr. Lubem Terkula UKmoni, the Chief Press Secretary to the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph. He actively participated in the #EndBenueGenocide protest, which was organized by hundreds of youths in Makurdi to draw attention to the deadly attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, particularly following a massacre in Yelewata community that claimed over 200 lives.
Lubem Terkula publicly showed his support for the protest on social media, posting messages about the peaceful march and expressing his emotional response to the killings, including a video of a woman who lost her family members in the attacks. He questioned what he would do if he were in her position, which motivated him to join the streets demanding an end to the violence.
However, his participation was seen as defiance of official orders and working against the directives of his Principal, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph. As a result, he was indefinitely suspended from his position, barred from all official duties, and prohibited from representing the office in any capacity. The suspension letter described his actions as a serious breach of duty and trust.
As disclosed by Daily Post “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”.
In reaction to his suspension letter, he replied on Facebook: “Good morning Hon PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization Hon Krayzeetee Atu Terver, I received your letter via Facebook this morning that you have suspended me immediately and indefinitely.
“I accept my indefinite suspension even though I wasn’t given any Appointment Letter officially.
“You and many people know I am not the type that will ever speak ill or Negative about anybody I have ever worked for or will work for in future no matter the circumstances because I believe Silence is golden when it comes to such.
“So I appreciate the little time we both spent together during this appointment, you are my brother and will always be a brother to me.
“I wish you all the Best in life. thank you after all #IKnowWhereIBelong.”
This disciplinary action was part of a broader government response to the protests, which also saw the suspension of the Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, for similar reasons. The protests itself was met with harsh suppression, including tear gas and alleged shootings, which drew condemnation from political parties like the Benue APC, accusing the state government of state-sponsored brutality and failure to protect its citizens.
The Naija Lowdown Writer 