By Adesina Soyooye
For joining in a peaceful protest against the genocide in Benue State, Ukeyima John Ukmoni, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, has been suspended indefinitely from office by the Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
In his letter of suspension from the office of the Governor’s Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Media Mobilisation, signed by Mr Lubem Terkura, the suspended CPS was accused of participating in the #EndBenueGenocide protest contrary to official orders. It was dated June 15, 2025.
The letter noted that UKmoni was “working against the explicit directives of your Principal” a conduct which, said the letter, is “a serious breach of your duties and the trust placed in your office.”
Before the peaceful protest, the suspended CPS had, in a Facebook post, said: “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.”
In another post, he said he saw a video of a woman whose five children and mother were killed and burnt to ashes. That video so moved him that he decided to take to the streets in a peaceful protest. He asked one question: “What if I’m the one?”
In reaction to his indefinite suspension, UKmoni posted 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.”
The attack which forced the CPS to participate in the peaceful protest which has now cost him his job took the lives of over 200 people, including babies, children, and women all whom were slaughtered to death.
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