Akaninyene Eretus, 40, arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani LGA, has told SCID detectives he killed two men to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal crisis nearly 29 years ago, Cross River Police Command confirmed May 31, 2026.
The suspect remains in custody and has allegedly admitted to the slayings of Okokon and Okon on May 24 and 25, 2026. Two bodies believed to be the victims have been recovered and deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and identification.
—“For 29 years I lived with the pain”—
In a statement signed by PPRO ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Eretus confessed: “I killed them because I could not forget my family being taken from me. For 29 years I lived with the pain. I wanted justice; I thought I could right the wrongs done to my parents and brothers.”
He disclosed that one victim was slaughtered while asleep and the other was attacked with a machete.
–Police debunk “30 killings” rumour–
Discovery of shallow graves in a forest hideout at Abanyama, Ukim Ita community earlier sparked panic and unverified online reports that Eretus confessed to killing 30 people.
ASP Eitokpah clarified: “The command is investigating two alleged murders at this time. Reports of 30 killings are unconfirmed and capable of causing panic, we advise the public to rely on official briefings only.”
He said the suspect is cooperating but his statements remain subject to verification. “Investigations are ongoing. Charges will follow after forensic and legal processes are concluded,” ASP Akata added.
Police appealed to residents to stop spreading rumours and report suspicious information directly to authorities. [Vangysrd report rejigged]
