Akaninyene, an indigene of Obot Akara, was arrested yesterday in Creektown following intelligence that linked him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim. Security operatives, acting on the tip, tracked him to an isolated hut he built inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown.
On arrival, men of the Nigerian Army and a tactical special forces squad, led by community youths and elders, attempted to secure the area. Akaninyene noticed the invasion, ran into the hut to retrieve a weapon, but was quickly surrounded. He tried to escape into the forest but was apprehended by the tactical team.
A search of the compound revealed multiple shallow graves. About 8 graves were uncovered, each containing the remains of up to 5 people buried without their heads. Plantain crops had been planted over the graves to conceal them. The discovery suggests 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, 26th May 2026. He claimed he carried it out with the help of a lady who allegedly held the victim’s head. According to him, the lady was used to lure victims to their deaths, and he described the method they used.
The alarm was first raised after community members heard a struggle and cries from the last victim. Hon. Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths, and elders, reported the case of missing persons to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido. He immediately alerted security operatives, who responded swiftly.
The discovery shocked the entire community as families realized the perpetrator lived among them. The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward also joined efforts to ensure Akaninyene was captured. The Leader of Council commended the Executive Chairman for the quick response of military and police tactical teams, and praised Creektown youths for their vigilance.
Following the arrest, community youths have intensified bush-combing operations to uncover other possible hideouts linked to similar crimes.
Security agencies say Akaninyene’s confessions are expected to help in tracking and arresting others involved in the same criminal network. Residents of Cross River State are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
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