Man confesses woman helped him kill 30 people in Cross River

A man in his late 30s, identified simply as Akaninyene, has allegedly confessed to killing about 30 persons in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The suspect, who reportedly lived alone in a secluded hut inside a forest, was arrested following intelligence linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim in the community.

According to security sources, Akaninyene, in his confessional statement to investigators, claimed that a woman assisted him in carrying out the killings by holding down victims while he slit their throats.

He further disclosed that the latest killing, which eventually led to his arrest, allegedly took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

A search conducted around the suspect’s hideout reportedly uncovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain crops. Community sources said about eight graves were discovered, with some containing multiple headless bodies, suggesting the killings may have continued for months without detection.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly led operatives to some of the burial sites where decomposing bodies were exhumed. He also claimed that the woman worked with him by luring unsuspecting victims to the isolated location before they were killed.

The alarm was reportedly raised after residents heard cries and sounds of struggle believed to have come from the suspect’s hideout during the last attack.

The Councillor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths and community elders, subsequently reported the recurring cases of missing persons to the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Ukpong Etim Asido, who alerted security agencies.

The development shocked residents of the area, many of whom said they never suspected the suspect was allegedly behind the mysterious disappearances recorded in the community.

The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Effiom Ekene, as well as Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward, were also said to have joined efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.

Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other suspected hideouts linked to the crimes.

Spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, Superintendent Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident,

Man confesses woman helped him kill 30 people in Cross River