A former Chairman of Okene Local Government and House of Representatives aspirant for Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, has dismissed allegations linking him to past violent crises in Ebiraland.
Karaku, who is seeking election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections, made the clarification during his declaration event in Okene, stressing that claims he instigated unrest in the area are unfounded.
According to him, the crises predated his tenure as local government chairman, insisting he merely met the situation on ground and did not contribute to it.
He also refuted accusations of involvement in any form of violence, maintaining that he has never taken a life and challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence.
“I have never had issues with anyone directly since I was born,” he said.
“The crises being referred to were already in existence before I assumed office. If anyone wants to understand the root causes, I am ready to engage publicly on TAO Radio with verifiable documents. I did not cause any crisis in Ebiraland.”
Karaku further addressed critics who have linked him to violence during his time in office, questioning the basis of such claims.
“People say there were crises during my tenure, but was I the cause? I am not a killer. I have never killed anyone. If anyone insists otherwise, they should come forward and name the person,” he added.
He, however, expressed gratitude to his critics, noting that their attacks have inadvertently increased his visibility.
“I thank those spreading falsehoods about me. If their claims are true, may they be blessed, but if not, God will judge them,” he said.
Recounting a personal ordeal, Karaku alleged that he was once falsely accused of killing a soldier, leading to his arrest and detention for over two months.
During that period, he said he suffered significant personal losses, including the death of his younger brother, Abdulrahman, and his niece, Grace, who died just months before her wedding.
“I was detained for two and a half months over a false allegation. In that time, I lost my younger brother and my niece. It was a painful experience caused by a deliberate frame-up,” he stated.
The Okene/Ogori-Magongo House of Representatives seat remains one of the most competitive in Kogi Central Senatorial District, with several aspirants across political parties already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
