The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected serial killer, Mr Akaniyene Eretus, at Creek Town Forest in Odukpani local government area of the state.
This was made known yesterday by the Police public relations officer, Sunday Akata, in Calabar.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that Mr Akaninyene, an indigene of Obot Akara, was arrested yesterday after security operatives acted on intelligence linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim.
The operatives tracked him to an isolated hut he erected in the forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creek Town.
Troops from the Nigerian Army and a tactical special forces squad moved in with support from community youths and elders.
When Akaninyene noticed the invasion, he ran into the hut to retrieve a weapon. He was quickly surrounded as he attempted to escape into the forest, but the tactical team over powered him and bundled him to the police station.
A search of the compound uncovered multiple shallow graves. About 8 graves were found, each containing the remains of up to 5 people buried without their heads.
Plantain crops had been planted over the graves to conceal them, suggesting the killings may have been ongoing for some time.
During interrogation, Akaninyene allegedly confessed to killing about 30 people in the community who had gone missing without trace.
He was forced to lead operatives to the graves, where bodies without heads were exhumed.
He further confessed that the last killing, which triggered his arrest, occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. According to him, he carried it out with the help of a lady who allegedly held the victim’s head. He claimed the lady was used to lure victims, and he described the method they used.
The case came to light after community members heard a struggle and cries from the last victim.
The councilor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Apostle Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths, and elders, reported the missing persons case to the council Chairman of Odukpani local government area, Mr Ukpong Etim Asido.
He immediately alerted security operatives, who responded swiftly.
The discovery shocked the entire community as families realised the suspect had been living among them
Effiom Ekene, leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani local government area and Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward joined efforts to ensure Akaninyene was captured.
Ekene lauded the council chairman for the quick response of military and police tactical teams, and praised Creektown youths for their vigilance
The Police confirmed that the suspect Akaniyene Eretus and an accomplice, 35-year-old Miss Uduak Essien are in their custody adding that investigation is currently ongoing to unravel the mystery behind their action.
