ByAyo Kehinde
A suspected serial killer identified as Akaninyene, said to be an indigene of Obot Akara, has been arrested in Creektown, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, after allegedly confessing to the killing of about 30 persons and leading security operatives to a forest hideout where multiple shallow graves were uncovered.
The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated security operation following intelligence reports linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim in the community.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and tactical special forces, reportedly tracked him to an isolated hut he allegedly built deep inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown.
According to community sources, the operation involved local youths and elders who guided the security teams to the location after mounting concerns over repeated cases of missing persons in the area.
On arrival at the forest camp, Akaninyene reportedly noticed the presence of the operatives and rushed into the hut in an alleged attempt to retrieve a weapon. He was quickly surrounded by the tactical team and arrested as he tried to escape deeper into the forest.
A subsequent search of the compound led to a horrifying discovery, as operatives uncovered about eight shallow graves allegedly containing decomposing human remains buried without heads. Sources at the scene claimed that some of the graves contained the remains of multiple victims, while plantain crops had been planted over the burial sites in what investigators suspect was an attempt to conceal the crimes.
Security sources said the gruesome discovery indicated that the killings may have been ongoing for a long period without detection.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to killing about 30 persons within the community who had previously been declared missing. He was also said to have led operatives to the graves where several headless bodies were exhumed for further investigation.
Akaninyene further reportedly confessed that the latest killing, which ultimately exposed the operation, occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He disclosed that a female accomplice assisted him during the attack by helping to restrain the victim, while also serving as bait used to lure unsuspecting targets to the forest hideout.
The breakthrough reportedly came after residents heard loud cries and sounds of struggle from the victim during the last incident, prompting alarm within the community.
The matter was subsequently reported by the Councillor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths and community elders, to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, who immediately alerted security agencies.
The swift response by military personnel and police tactical teams reportedly led to the suspect’s arrest before he could flee the area.
The discovery has since thrown the community into shock and fear, with many citizens struggling to come to terms with revelations that the suspected killer allegedly lived among them undetected for years.
The leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward were also said to have joined efforts to ensure the suspect was apprehended.
Community leaders commended the rapid intervention of security agencies and praised local youths for their vigilance and collaboration throughout the operation.
Following the arrest, youths in the area have reportedly intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding forests to uncover other possible hideouts and identify additional suspects linked to the alleged killings.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the case is still under verification, adding that investigations are ongoing to confirm details of the incident and establish the full extent of the alleged crimes.
Authorities have intensified security presence in the area as forensic experts and investigators continue efforts to examine the scene, recover evidence, and determine the exact number of victims linked to the suspected serial killings.
