In a controversial move, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, Principal Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, has suspended his Chief of Staff, John Ukeyima, and Chief Press Secretary, Lubem Terkula, for participating in a protest against herdsmen killings. The indefinite suspensions, announced June 16, 2025, cited "breach of trust" and "working against government directives." The sackings follow a youth demonstration in Makurdi demanding action after 250 were massacred in Yelewata, Guma LGA.
• Crackdown on Protesters: Top aides axed for joining citizens decrying Benue’s worst violence in 2024/2025 (2,100+ deaths per SBM Intelligence).
• Government’s Stance: Suspension letters accuse staff of violating "explicit directives," signaling zero tolerance for internal dissent.
• Public Outcry: Protesters chased away the Police Commissioner, highlighting frayed trust in security responses.
This exposes a dangerous pattern: punishing truth-tellers instead of addressing insecurity. While Governor Alia’s administration invests in "media mobilization," it silences staff aligning with traumatized communities. With Benue accounting for 34% of Nigeria’s farmer-herder casualties (ICG 2024), should aides prioritize loyalty over conscience? The sackings risk alienating a populace already questioning the government's commitment to their safety.
Sources: Benue State Government Letter, SBM Intelligence, International Crisis Group
