Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended his press secretary indefinitely due to his engagement in the #EndBenueGenocide demonstration, which contravened official directives.
The announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of the Chief Press Secretary, Ukeyima UKmoni was made through the Principal Special Assistant for Youth and Media Mobilization, as stated in a letter dated June 15, 2025, and signed by Mr. Lubem Terkura (Aluta General).
The letter indicated that UKmoni was “acting against the clear instructions of your principal” and characterized his behaviour as “a significant violation of your responsibilities and the confidence entrusted to your position.”
Before the protest, UKmoni had shared on Facebook: “Tomorrow morning at Wurukum Roundabout, wear black. We will gather at the Wurukum Roundabout to deliver a non-violent message to end the killings in Benue.
“Our aim is not to incite violence but to halt the killings in Benue. After all, #IKnowWhereIBelong. This is simply the message we are sharing #StopBenueKillings.”
From one of his posts, he recounted seeing a video of a woman who lost her five children and mother, who were killed and cremated, prompting him to head to the streets, asking himself, “what if that were me?”
In response to his suspension, UKmoni posted on Facebook: “Good morning, Hon. PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Krayzeetee Atu Terver.
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“I noticed your letter on Facebook this morning informing me of my immediate and indefinite suspension.
“I accept this indefinite suspension, even though I never officially received an appointment letter.
“You, and many others, understand that I am not one to speak negatively about anyone I have worked with or will work with in the future, regardless of the situation, because I believe silence is valuable in such matters.
“I am grateful for the brief time we worked together during this appointment; you will always be my brother.
“I wish you success in all your endeavours. Thank you; after all, #IKnowWhereIBelong.”
For some time now, communities in Benue State have been subjected to armed attacks resulting in the death of many and the destruction of property.
The most recent assault over the weekend, resulted in over 100 deaths, as reported by Amnesty International.
Sources revealed that many people were burned alive, and numerous others shot dead during a nighttime raid by suspected herdsmen on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which took place late Friday night into early Saturday, involved the assailants dividing into two groups, one attacked the police station while the other moved through homes, murdering residents and igniting buildings.
