Police uncover shallow graves as suspect confesses to killing 30
Security operatives have uncovered shallow graves and exhumed headless bodies in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State after a suspected serial killer identified simply as Akaninyene, confessed to killing 30 people.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, who confirmed the development, said investigations were ongoing.
The suspect, said to be in his 30s, allegedly said he has killed up to 30 people in the last few months in the community.
A search of the forested hideout of the suspect in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, uncovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain shrubs.
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, 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 development has thrown the community into shock, with residents expressing disbelief that the suspect lived among them unnoticed.
Youths in the community have been combing bushes in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other hideouts linked to the crimes.
