The suspect, who reportedly lived alone in a secluded hut inside a forest, was arrested following intelligence linking him to the disappearance and killing of a recent victim in the community.
A man in his late 30s identified as Akaninyene has allegedly confessed to killing about 30 persons in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, after his arrest led to the discovery of shallow graves around his forest hideout and the exhumation of decomposing bodies linked to the suspected killings.
The suspect, who reportedly lived alone in a secluded hut inside a forest, was arrested following intelligence linking him to the disappearance and killing of a recent victim in the community.
Security sources said Akaninyene, in his confessional statement to investigators, claimed that a woman assisted him in carrying out the killings by restraining victims while he attacked them.
He further disclosed that the latest killing, which led to his arrest, allegedly occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
A search around his hideout reportedly uncovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain crops.
Community sources said about eight graves were discovered, with some allegedly containing multiple decomposed bodies, suggesting the killings may have continued for months without detection.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly led operatives to additional burial sites where more decomposing bodies were exhumed.
He also claimed the woman involved helped lure unsuspecting victims to the isolated location before they were killed.
The alarm was raised after residents reportedly heard cries and sounds of struggle coming from the suspect’s hideout during the latest attack.
The Councillor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths and community elders, reported the repeated cases of missing persons to the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Ukpong Etim Asido, who subsequently alerted security agencies.
The development shocked residents of the area, many of whom said they never suspected the suspect was behind the series of disappearances recorded in the community.
The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Effiom Ekene, as well as Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward, were also said to have joined efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other suspected hideouts linked to the crimes.
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