The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has sacked his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula. This happened after they took part in a protest against the ongoing killings in the state.

Terver announced their dismissal on Sunday night through a letter sent to both men. He said they had acted in a way that went against the interest of the state government.

In the letter, Terver wrote that their suspension was effective from June 14, 2025. He said it was because they disobeyed clear orders from their superior.

He described their actions as a serious violation of duty and trust. According to him, such behavior could not be allowed from senior officials.

He also directed that during their suspension, both men must stop all official activities and should not speak or act on behalf of his office.

The situation comes as hundreds of angry youths in Benue State protested in Makurdi on Sunday. The protest aimed to draw international attention to the rising violence and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The protest was sparked by a recent deadly attack in the Yelewata community, located in Guma Local Government Area. Reports say that nearly 250 people were killed in that attack alone.