A 40-year-old man, Akaninyene Eretus, arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, has told police investigators that he killed two men in an attempt to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal conflict nearly 29 years ago.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he reportedly confessed to the killings of two men identified as Okokon and Okon.
Suspect Explains Motive
According to the Cross River State Police Command, Eretus told detectives that he had lived with the pain of losing his family members for almost three decades and decided to take revenge.
In his confession, he reportedly said:
“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.”
Police said the killings took place on May 24 and May 25, 2026.
How The Victims Were Killed
The suspect further disclosed that one of the victims was allegedly killed while asleep, while the second victim was attacked with a machete.
Authorities said two bodies believed to be those of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue for preservation, identification, and autopsy.
Police Clarify Viral Claims
The case drew widespread attention after reports emerged online about the discovery of shallow graves in a forest hideout located in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community.
Some social media posts claimed the suspect had confessed to killing as many as 30 people.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, dismissed those reports, describing them as unverified.
According to him, only two bodies have been recovered so far and investigations are ongoing.
Investigation Continues
Police authorities said further inquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killings and determine whether there are additional victims connected to the case.
The command urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigations remain active.