Akaninyene Eretus, 40, arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani LGA, has told detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) that he killed two men to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal crisis nearly 29 years ago, according to the Cross River State Police Command.

The suspect, who remains in police custody, allegedly admitted to the slayings of two victims identified as Okokon and Okon on May 24 and 25, 2026.

Two bodies believed to be those of the victims have been recovered and deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy, the police confirmed.

In a statement on Saturday signed by a Police Public Relations Officer. ASP Sunday Eitokpah he (suspect) admitted to killing only two persons and their remains have been deposited at a morgue for further investigation.

“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 confessed

He further disclosed that one of his victims was slaughtered while asleep and the other attacked with a machete.

Checks showed that the discovery of shallow graves in a forest hideout in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community earlier prompted widespread alarm, and unverified reports circulated online that the suspect had confessed to killing 30 people.

The PPRO, ASP Eitokpah however clarified the exaggerated claims. He added that only two bodies were recovered adding that reports of 30 killings were unconfirmed.

“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.

ASP Eitokpah said the suspect was cooperating with investigators and that his statements remain subject to verification.

“Investigations are ongoing. Charges will follow after forensic and legal processes are concluded,” ASP Akata added.

The command appealed to residents to desist from spreading rumours and to report any suspicious information to the police. (Vanguard, excluding headline)

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