(The Suspect. Photo by Daily Post)
A man in his late thirties, known only as Akaninyene, has allegedly admitted to killing around 30 people in the Abanyama community of Creek Town, located in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The suspect, who reportedly lived alone in a remote hut deep within a forest, was arrested after intelligence tipped off security operatives about his connection to the recent disappearance and murder of a victim in the community.
In his confessional statement, Akaninyene allegedly claimed that a female accomplice assisted him in carrying out the killings by restraining victims while he killed them.
He also stated that the most recent killing, which ultimately led to his arrest, took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
A search of the area around his hideout uncovered several shallow graves hidden beneath plantain crops.
Community sources indicated that approximately eight graves were found, with some containing multiple headless bodies suggesting the killings may have gone undetected for several months.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly guided operatives to some of the burial sites, where decomposing remains were exhumed.
He also claimed the woman played a role in luring unsuspecting victims to the isolated location before they were killed.
Suspicion was reportedly aroused after residents heard cries and sounds of a struggle coming from the direction of the suspect’s hideout during what is believed to have been his final attack.
Community representatives, including the Councillor for Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, the ward chairman, youths, and elders, subsequently reported the pattern of disappearances to the Odukpani LGA Chairman, Ukpong Etim Asido, who then alerted the relevant security agencies.
The revelation has deeply shaken the community, with many residents expressing shock that the mysterious disappearances they had witnessed over time could be traced back to someone in their midst.
Legislative leaders from the area also reportedly contributed to efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
Community youths have since launched search operations in the surrounding bushes, looking for possible accomplices and other locations that may be linked to the crimes.
The Cross River State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident.
