The suspension was formally communicated via a letter dated June 15, 2025, signed by Hon. Atu, which accused UKmoni of acting “contrary to explicit directives” and described his participation in the protest as “a grave violation of duty and breach of trust
By Afolabi Ayodele
News Report:
The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Terver Atu Joseph, has indefinitely suspended his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula UKmoni, for participating in the recent #EndBenueGenocide protest a move that defied direct instructions from his superior.
The suspension was formally communicated via a letter dated June 15, 2025, signed by Hon. Atu, which accused UKmoni of acting “contrary to explicit directives” and described his participation in the protest as “a grave violation of duty and breach of trust.”
Prior to the protest, UKmoni openly mobilized supporters on Facebook, announcing:
“Tomorrow morning at Wurukum Roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching peacefully to the Wurukum Roundabout to demand an end to the Benue killings. This is not about violence, but about saying #StopBenueKillings. After all, #IKnowWhereIBelong. This is the message we carry.”
In another post, UKmoni expressed deep personal anguish after watching a viral video showing a woman who lost her five children and mother in a gruesome attack, stating:
“I couldn’t help but take to the streets, thinking—what if I were the one?”
Responding to his suspension, UKmoni again took to Facebook, writing:
“Good morning Hon PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon Krayzeetee Atu Terver. I received your suspension letter via Facebook this morning—immediate and indefinite.
I accept this decision, even though I was never formally issued an appointment letter.
You know me well; I am not one to speak ill of anyone I’ve worked with or will work with in the future—no matter the situation. Silence, they say, is golden.
I appreciate the time we shared during this appointment. You are my brother and will always remain so. I wish you the very best. After all, #IKnowWhereIBelong.”
UKmoni’s suspension comes amid rising outrage over escalating violence in Benue State. As previously reported by SaharaReporters, over 100 people were brutally killed last weekend in fresh attacks blamed on suspected herdsmen in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses and rights groups such as Amnesty International confirmed that dozens of victims were burnt alive or shot dead in a coordinated nighttime raid. The assailants, reportedly divided into two groups, stormed a police station while simultaneously launching house-to-house attacks, killing residents and torching buildings.
These continuous violent attacks have sparked widespread fear, protests, and public calls for the government to act decisively to protect lives in the troubled state.
The indefinite suspension of UKmoni, who joined calls for justice through peaceful demonstration, has further fueled debate over the government’s stance on freedom of expression versus internal loyalty among aides.
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