Horror In Cross River As Suspected Serial Killer Confesses To Killing About 30 Residents, Security Forces Discover Multiple Mass Graves In Forest Hideout

Calabar, Cross River State– A suspected serial killer identified simply as Akaninyene, who allegedly confessed to murdering about 30 persons in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been arrested.

The suspect was apprehended following intelligence reports linking him to the disappearance and brutal killing of several residents who had gone missing over time without any trace.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the arrest followed a coordinated security operation involving men of the Nigerian Army, tactical special forces, local vigilantes, community youths and elders, who tracked the suspect to a secluded hut hidden deep inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community.

Residents said the operation was launched after growing concerns over repeated cases of missing persons in the area, many of whom were never found.

According to eyewitness accounts, security operatives stormed the forest hideout after receiving credible intelligence regarding the suspect’s movements and alleged criminal activities.

“On getting to the location, the soldiers and tactical team moved in carefully to secure the area.

“The suspect suddenly noticed that security men had surrounded the place. He immediately ran into the hut, apparently to retrieve a weapon, but the operatives quickly closed in on him.”

The source added that Akaninyene attempted to flee through the forest but was chased and captured by the tactical team before he could escape.

Following his arrest, operatives conducted a thorough search of the hideout and reportedly made a horrifying discovery.

Security sources disclosed that multiple shallow graves numbering about eight were uncovered around the forest camp, each allegedly containing the decomposing remains of about five victims buried without their heads.

The graves, according to residents, had been carefully concealed with plantain crops planted over them in an apparent attempt to avoid suspicion and hide the killings from members of the community.

“The sight was terrifying,” another resident said.

“Bodies without heads were buried inside shallow graves and plantain was planted on top to cover everything. Nobody imagined something this evil was happening inside our community.”

Community members said the discovery suggested that the killings had been ongoing for a long period while residents remained unaware that the alleged perpetrator was living among them.

During interrogation by security operatives, Akaninyene allegedly confessed to killing numerous persons in the area.

Meanwhile, Sources familiar with the interrogation told journalists that the suspect admitted responsibility for the deaths of about 30 residents who had previously gone missing under mysterious circumstances.

He was thereafter forced to lead security operatives to the locations of the graves where several bodies were exhumed.

According to the sources, most of the recovered bodies were headless.

The suspect reportedly confessed that the latest killing, which eventually exposed his activities and led to his arrest, occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

He told investigators that he carried out the murder with the assistance of a woman who helped restrain the victim during the attack.

Akaninyene claimed the woman usually lured victims to isolated locations before they were murdered.

“He confessed that the lady helped him by holding the victim’s head during the last operation,” a source familiar with the investigation disclosed.

“He also explained how victims were usually deceived and lured to their deaths.”

Residents said suspicions intensified after members of the community reportedly heard sounds of struggle and cries believed to have come from the last victim shortly before the killing was uncovered.

The disturbing development prompted community leaders to escalate the matter to local authorities.

The Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths and community elders, reportedly took the case of the repeated disappearances to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido.

Security agencies were subsequently alerted, leading to the joint operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, as well as Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward, were also said to have joined efforts aimed at ensuring the suspect was captured.

Reacting to the development, the Leader of Council reportedly commended the Executive Chairman for facilitating the swift intervention of military personnel and police tactical units.

He also praised youths of Creektown for their vigilance and support during the operation.

Residents of the area described the discovery as one of the most horrifying incidents ever witnessed in the community.

Families of missing persons were said to have broken down in tears after learning that many of their loved ones may have been among the victims buried in the forest.

“This is something we never imagined could happen here,” a resident lamented.

“People have been disappearing for years and families kept searching without answers. Now we are seeing graves everywhere. The whole community is in shock.”

Following the arrest, community youths have reportedly intensified bush-combing operations across surrounding forests and isolated areas to uncover any additional hideouts or evidence connected to similar crimes.