8 headless bodies exhumed as suspect confesses to killing 30 in Cross River
Security operatives have uncovered shallow graves and exhumed headless bodies in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, following the arrest of a suspected serial killer identified simply as Akaninyene. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing. The suspect, […]
Security operatives have uncovered shallow graves and exhumed headless bodies in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, following the arrest of a suspected serial killer identified simply as Akaninyene.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
The suspect, believed to be in his 30s, reportedly confessed to killing about 30 persons in the community over the past few months.
He allegedly made the confession after security operatives stormed his hideout in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community.
According to security sources, a search of the forest hideout uncovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain crops.
Community sources said at least eight graves containing decapitated bodies were discovered during the operation.
Akaninyene, who reportedly lived alone in a secluded hut in the forest, was arrested after intelligence linked him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim in the area.
Investigators said the suspect confessed that a woman assisted him in carrying out the killings by restraining victims while he slit their throats.
He also alleged that the woman lured unsuspecting victims to the isolated location where they were murdered.
The suspect further disclosed that the latest killing, which eventually exposed the operation, allegedly occurred on May 26, 2026.
During interrogation, he reportedly led operatives to some of the burial sites where decomposing bodies were exhumed.
Residents said suspicion grew after cries for help and sounds of struggle were reportedly heard near the suspect’s hideout during the most recent attack.
The incident prompted community leaders to alert authorities over the increasing cases of missing persons in the area.
The councillor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths and elders, reported the matter to the Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Ukpong Etim Asido, who subsequently alerted security agencies.
The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Effiom Ekene, and Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward were also said to have contributed to efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
The development has thrown the community into shock, with residents expressing disbelief that the suspect allegedly lived among them unnoticed.
Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other hideouts linked to the crimes.