Gabriela Ezin Calabar
A 40-year-old suspect, Akaninyine Eretus, has allegedly confessed to killing about 30 persons in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, after security operatives uncovered human remains in a bush hideout linked to him.
The suspect, alongside a female accomplice identified as Uduak Essien, 35, is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as police intensify investigations into the incident.
The case reportedly began on May 28, 2026, when one Mmawan Okon reported at the Creek Town Police Post that his father, Mr. Okon Ikon, had gone missing.
Police sources disclosed that family members later carried out traditional inquiries which allegedly suggested that the missing man had been killed and buried inside a nearby bush.
Following the development, a combined team of police operatives, military personnel and community youths launched a search operation within the area.
During the operation, the principal suspect was reportedly arrested in a hideout located deep inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creek Town.
Investigators said the suspect later guided security operatives to a spot where the severed head of the missing victim, Mr. Okon Ikon, was recovered.
Further search efforts also led to the discovery of the remains of another deceased victim identified simply as Mr. Okonkon, buried in another section of the bush.
Community sources alleged that additional shallow graves were uncovered within the area, heightening fears that the killings may have continued undetected for a long period.
Residents said several persons had previously disappeared mysteriously in the community, while sources alleged that the suspect made confessional statements linking himself to multiple killings.
The development has thrown the community into panic, with youths reportedly intensifying bush-combing operations in search of other possible hideouts and accomplices connected to the alleged crimes.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the matter.
