Residents of Abanyama community in Ukim Ita, Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, have been thrown into panic following the arrest of a suspected serial killer who allegedly confessed to murdering about 30 persons.
The suspect, identified simply as Akaninyene, was reportedly apprehended after security operatives traced the disappearance and killing of a recent victim to his secluded residence hidden inside a forest in the community.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed on Thursday that the suspect, believed to be in his late 30s, allegedly admitted during interrogation that he carried out the killings with the assistance of a woman.
According to the sources, Akaninyene told investigators that the woman usually restrained victims while he slit their throats before burying them in shallow graves around the area.
The latest incident, said to have occurred on Tuesday, May 26, reportedly exposed the suspect after residents heard distress cries and sounds of struggle coming from the forest hideout.
Security operatives later conducted a search around the location and allegedly discovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain plantations.
Community members claimed that no fewer than eight graves had so far been uncovered, with some reportedly containing multiple decapitated bodies.
Investigators were also said to have exhumed decomposing corpses from some of the burial sites after the suspect allegedly led them to the locations.
Sources further revealed that the woman said to be working with the suspect allegedly lured unsuspecting victims to the isolated area where they were attacked and killed.
Disturbed by recurring cases of missing persons in the community, the councillor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, alongside local youth leaders and elders, reportedly alerted the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Ukpong Etim Asido, who subsequently contacted security agencies.
The operation that led to the arrest was also said to have involved the Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Effiom Ekene, and Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward.
The incident has left many residents in shock, as community members said they never suspected the suspect’s alleged involvement in the mysterious disappearances recorded in the area over time.
Meanwhile, youths in the community have intensified search operations within nearby bushes over fears that other accomplices may still be hiding in the area.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, Superintendent Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident while investigations continue.
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