The Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has suspended his Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Ukeyima John UKmoni, indefinitely for participating in the #EndBenueGenocide protest in defiance of official orders.
The suspension, which was issued through the Office of the Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilisation, was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2025, and signed by Mr Lubem Terkura (Aluta General).
The letter stated that UKmoni was “working against the explicit directives of your Principal” and described his conduct as “a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.”
Ahead of the protest, UKmoni had posted on Facebook: “Tomorrow morning at wurukum roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching to the Wurukum Roundabout for a peaceful message to Stop Benue K!lli.ngs. We are not here for violence but to Stop Benue K!l.lings. After all #IKnowWhereIBelong This is just the only message we are passing across #StopBenueKillings.”
According to one of his posts, he saw a video of a woman whose five children and mother were killed and burnt to ashes, he couldn’t help but jump to the street, asking himself “what if I’m the one”.
Reacting to his suspension, UKmoni wrote 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.”
SaharaReporters previously reported that a wave of brutal violence had continued to engulf communities in Benue State.
The latest attack carried out over the weekend claimed more than 100 lives, according to Amnesty International.
It was learnt that dozens of people were burnt alive and many others shot dead when suspected herdsmen launched a late-night attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest attack carried out over the weekend claimed more than 100 lives, according to Amnesty International.
It was learnt that dozens of people were burnt alive and many others shot dead when suspected herdsmen launched a late-night attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday, saw the assailants split into two groups—one stormed the police station, while the other moved from house to house, killing residents and setting buildings ablaze.
