Eric Patrick
The Chief Press Secretary to the Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilization to the Benue State Governor, Mr. Lubem Terkula UKmoni, has been suspended indefinitely for participating in the #EndBenueGenocide protest.
His suspension was announced in an official letter dated June 15, 2025, and signed by Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, the Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor.
The letter cited UKmoni’s participation in the protest as a violation of explicit instructions and a serious breach of trust.
“You acted in direct defiance of the directives of your principal,” the letter stated, describing UKmoni’s actions as inconsistent with the responsibilities of his position.
Prior to the protest, UKmoni made a Facebook post encouraging peaceful participation.
In his message, he wrote, “Tomorrow morning at Wurukum Roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching… to deliver a peaceful message: Stop Benue Killings.
“We are not here for violence but to Stop Benue Killings. After all #IKnowWhereIBelong. This is the only message we are passing across.”
In another emotional post, he recounted seeing a video of a woman whose five children and mother were murdered and burned, prompting him to take to the streets in protest, questioning, “What if I’m the one?”
Reacting to his suspension, UKmoni posted a response on Facebook, acknowledging the action and maintaining a conciliatory tone:
He wrote, “Good morning Hon. PSA to the Governor… I received your letter via Facebook this morning suspending me immediately and indefinitely.
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“I accept the suspension, even though I was never officially issued an appointment letter.
“I have never and will never speak negatively about anyone I have worked with or will work with in the future. Silence is golden in such matters.
“I appreciate the time we spent working together. You remain my brother, and I wish you the very best in life. Thank you, after all #IKnowWhereIBelong.”
The protest came amid ongoing violence in Benue State.
According to Amnesty International, over 100 people were killed in the latest incident, where suspected herdsmen allegedly set homes ablaze and attacked residents.
Victims included those burned alive and others fatally shot in the late-night raid.
The continued violence has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the state, calling for urgent government intervention and justice for affected communities.