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How 49-Year-Old Farmer Waited 27 Years to Avenge Parents’ Death in Cross River

Published

3 months ago

June 20, 2026

How 49-Year-Old Farmer Waited 27 Years to Avenge Parents’ Death in Cross River

For decades, the quiet riverine community of Abanyama in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, was known as a peaceful settlement where neighbours coexisted like one big family. But that tranquillity was shattered in late May 2026 when two prominent elders were brutally murdered in their homes, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee. The nightmare that gripped the community has now been traced to a 49-year-old farmer, Akaniyene Ignatius, who allegedly confessed to the killings—not as a random act of violence, but as a carefully planned revenge mission nearly three decades in the making.

The first killing occurred on May 24, 2026, when 75-year-old Oko Okon, one of the community’s respected elders, was found dead in his home. The elderly man had not only been murdered but also beheaded, with his assailant making away with his head. Residents were still in shock when tragedy struck again the very next day. On May 25, 2026, 73-year-old Okon Akpan was also killed in a similarly gruesome manner. This time, the attacker reportedly took the entire body, leaving behind only pools of blood in the victim’s compound.

The back-to-back killings sent waves of fear through the creek settlement. A resident who identified himself as Ekpeyong recounted the palpable terror, explaining that when the first elder was killed, the community initially thought it was an isolated incident. But when another elder was murdered the following day in almost the same manner, everybody became afraid, with every stranger becoming a suspect and every noise at night sending fear into their hearts. Many people abandoned their farms and relocated temporarily to neighbouring communities, unsure of who would be the next target. For days, the community lived in suspense. Rumours spread like wildfire across creek settlements about a serial killer on the loose, with some unverified claims suggesting that more than 30 people had fallen victim. But when operatives of the Cross River State Police Command finally arrested a suspect, the mystery gave way to an even more disturbing revelation.

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The breakthrough came after community members linked Akaniyene Ignatius to a mattress allegedly taken from one of the victims’ homes. According to Ekpeyong, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) apprehended the suspect while he was reportedly trying to sell the stolen item. Under interrogation, Ignatius allegedly confessed to the killings and led police officers to his late father’s farm settlement in Abanyama, where he had concealed the remains. What investigators discovered was chilling: in the case of Oko Okon, the suspect strangled and beheaded the elderly man, dumping the headless body behind the victim’s house while burying the severed head in a shallow grave on his late father’s farm. For Okon Akpan, Ignatius moved the entire body to the same farm settlement, dismembered it, and buried various body parts in separate shallow graves scattered around the area. Police later exhumed the remains and evacuated them to the General Hospital in Creek Town. Residents were stunned. Ekpeyong expressed the community’s disbelief, noting that many found it difficult to reconcile the soft-spoken farmer they greeted daily with the weight of the allegations against him, as they had always known him as a calm person.

When detectives pressed him for a motive, Ignatius reportedly dropped a bombshell: he had been nursing a grudge for 27 years. The suspect, who claims to be originally from Akwa Ibom State but born and raised in Abanyama, narrated a tragic family history that he said drove him to vengeance. According to his confession, his two brothers—Kokoite and Ekperite—had a long-standing feud with their father. The situation escalated when a dispute arose over who should be served food first during a meal, with one brother insisting on being served before their father—a breach of family custom. Their father reported the matter to community elders, who had previously intervened in the family’s disputes. The brothers were eventually arrested, taken to court, and sent to prison. After their release, Ignatius claimed the community turned against them again. His brother Ekperite was allegedly attacked, shot, and hacked with machetes in what the suspect described as a vigilante mob action. His other brother, Kokoite, fled to Lagos in fear for his life. The trauma proved too much for his parents. Ignatius said his mother fell sick and died shortly after, followed soon by his father, who could not bear losing both his wife and son. He told investigators that he was left alone in the village, and the deaths left a wound that never healed, prompting him to vow to avenge the deaths of his parents and brother, which he eventually did. He added, with what appeared to be remorse, that he regretted what he did and that it was anger that pushed him.

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Ignatius reportedly told investigators that the two elders he killed—Oko Okon and Okon Akpan—were among those he held responsible for the deaths of his family members. He claimed they played key roles in the community’s actions against his brothers decades ago. For nearly three decades, he allegedly harboured his vengeance plan, waiting for the right moment to strike. When he finally acted, he did so with chilling precision, targeting two of the community’s most prominent figures on consecutive days.

Reacting to the arrest and confession, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation. He, however, moved quickly to dismiss unverified social media claims that the suspect was responsible for the deaths of more than 30 people. The police spokesman explained that although the unfortunate incident quickly generated widespread attention with several unverified claims being circulated, their immediate concern was to ensure a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the incidents. ASP Sunday stressed that although Ignatius had made far-reaching confessional statements, every claim would be subjected to careful scrutiny and verification before any final conclusions are drawn.

As of Thursday, June 18, 2026, the atmosphere of fear that once enveloped Abanyama is gradually giving way to cautious relief. Families who fled their homes are beginning to return. Farmers are making their way back to their farmlands, and the once-deserted footpaths are slowly coming alive again. However, the psychological scars may take much longer to heal. Residents now wonder how a man they considered calm and harmless could have harboured such deep bitterness for nearly three decades—and how a community dispute from 27 years ago could culminate in such gruesome bloodshed.

This tragic incident raises difficult questions about vigilante justice, the role of community elders in conflict resolution, and the lasting damage of unresolved grievances. For 27 years, Ignatius reportedly carried the weight of his family’s destruction. When he finally acted, two men—in his eyes, not innocent—paid with their lives. The case serves as a sobering reminder that justice delayed can become vengeance—and vengeance, as the residents of Abanyama have painfully learned, comes at a devastating cost.

How 49-Year-Old Farmer Waited 27 Years to Avenge Parents’ Death in Cross River

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Atiku Offers Scholarship to Viral Niger Teen Miner After 37 Miners’ Deaths

Published

3 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Offers Scholarship to Viral Niger Teen Miner After 37 Miners’ Deaths

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has offered a scholarship to Yusuf Aliyu, the teenage artisanal miner from Niger State whose account of conditions at a gold-mining site went viral following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.

Atiku made the scholarship offer after a video of the teenager speaking about his experience at the mining site attracted widespread attention.

The offer means Atiku intends to provide the teenager with financial support for his education, although specific details such as the level of education covered, the duration of the scholarship and the institution where Yusuf would study were not immediately disclosed.

Atiku said the teenager should have the opportunity to pursue his education rather than remain dependent on mining to support himself and his family.

The teenager reportedly said that young people at the mining site engaged in the activity because of poverty and the need to support their families and pay school fees.

Yusuf also alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had been shooting at miners at the site. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detained miners and disputed the initial explanation that the fatalities were linked to a disease outbreak.

The allegations made by the teenager have not been independently established and remain subject to investigation.

The teenager’s comments came after 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

The victims were among people arrested during anti-illegal-mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.

The Niger State NSCDC Command initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak. However, accounts from survivors and families have raised questions about the conditions under which the detainees were held.

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Reports have cited allegations of overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and difficult conditions inside the detention facility, while the actual cause of the deaths remains a matter for investigation.

The Federal Government has since ordered an independent investigation into the incident.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be thoroughly investigated, while Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee to examine the incident.

The government also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee was given two weeks to complete its work and submit its report.

The panel includes representatives of the Niger State Government and Minna Emirate Council, as well as a representative of the Miners Association of Nigeria, lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, former Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma and other members.

The deaths have generated public concern over the treatment of people arrested during illegal mining enforcement operations, particularly following reports that some of those detained were teenagers.

The controversy has also renewed attention on the difficult circumstances surrounding artisanal mining in Niger State, where some young people reportedly enter mining because of limited economic opportunities and the need to support their families.

Atiku, while announcing the scholarship, also questioned the continued poverty in communities with significant mineral deposits.

He called for greater attention to the welfare and education of children involved in mining and raised questions about the Federal Government’s handling of artisanal mining.

The former vice president also referred to the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI) introduced under the Muhammadu Buhari administration and questioned what had become of the programme in Niger State.

His comments represent his political position on the incident and the Federal Government’s handling of artisanal mining. The independent committee is expected to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine whether any official or other person should be held responsible.

Meanwhile, Yusuf’s story has drawn attention to the wider challenge of keeping children out of hazardous work and ensuring access to education for vulnerable children in mining communities.

Atiku’s scholarship offer is specifically intended to help Yusuf continue his education and pursue opportunities outside artisanal mining. Details of how the scholarship will be administered have not been publicly provided.

The allegations against the NSCDC personnel and other claims surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.

Atiku Offers Scholarship to Viral Niger Teen Miner After 37 Miners’ Deaths

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NDLEA Seizes N3.4bn Drugs, Arrests Fake Police Officer in Nationwide Crackdown

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Trends Admin

NDLEA Seizes N3.4bn Drugs, Arrests Fake Police Officer in Nationwide Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted more than 1.3 million pills and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, alongside about 6,000kg of cannabis, in a series of operations across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The agency said the seizures had an estimated street value of more than N3.4 billion, while its operatives also arrested a man accused of impersonating a senior police officer while allegedly transporting illicit drugs.

The operations were conducted in Lagos, Edo, Niger, Delta, Ondo, Gombe and Imo states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, according to a statement issued by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

One of the biggest seizures occurred at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos, where NDLEA operatives intercepted 603.75kg of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis.

The consignment, according to the agency, was valued at about N1.811 billion.

The 40-foot container carrying the drugs reportedly originated from Montreal, Canada, and arrived in Nigeria on September 12.

Following intelligence received by the NDLEA, the container was placed under surveillance before a joint examination by NDLEA personnel, the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies on September 16.

The Canadian Loud was allegedly concealed in 31 black jumbo bags loaded into two Toyota Sienna vehicles inside the container.

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives arrested 49-year-old Innocent Ekpe along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba on September 16.

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The agency said Ekpe was found with 292.48kg of skunk, allegedly concealed inside a silver Toyota Sienna bus.

According to the NDLEA, preliminary investigation indicated that Ekpe allegedly presented himself as Godwin Emeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and used a forged police identification card to evade security checks while transporting illicit drugs.

A 39-year-old alleged accomplice, Nduka Joseph, was also arrested.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives arrested 45-year-old Matthew Ossai at an auto-repair workshop along Agbor Road in Benin City.

The agency alleged that the workshop was being used as a cover for storing illicit drugs.

Officers recovered 48kg of Canadian Loud, 152 grammes of methamphetamine and a metal box allegedly used to store the substances.

Another major seizure was recorded in Niger State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted more than 1.1 million assorted tramadol tablets and capsules, in addition to codeine syrup, methamphetamine and Exol tablets.

The drugs were allegedly concealed in eight sacks being transported from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

Two suspects, Aminu Isyaku, 23, and Jamilu Habibu, 25, were arrested along the Abaji-Abuja Highway on September 18 in connection with the consignment.

The agency also reported an earlier interception on September 15 along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway at Chachi, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Three suspects — Bashir Usman, 20; Abubakar Nuhu, 18; and Abdulrahman Abdulwahab, 18 — were arrested during the operation.

The NDLEA said officers recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and a magazine, a locally made pistol and magazine, and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a black travel bag.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Onyeka Ofor at his residence in Aguda, Surulere, on September 18 and recovered 48,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg.

The agency also intercepted seven cartons of cannabis weighing 59kg at a logistics company, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Luke Ugokwe.

Another suspect, Ibrahim Hudu, 43, was arrested at Apongbon, where NDLEA officers recovered 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.

In Gombe State, operatives recovered 154,480 capsules of tramadol from two suspects identified as 27-year-old Sabi’u Umar and 19-year-old Hassana Muhammad.

NDLEA personnel in Imo State also arrested 25-year-old Ifesinachi Godwin along the Owerri-Onitsha Road with 43.85kg of skunk, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, four suspects — Blessing Effiong, Saviour Peter, David Friday Sunday and Ability Peter Sunday — were arrested during an operation targeting a cannabis farm in Ita-Ogbolu forest, Ondo State.

The NDLEA said about 5,000kg of cannabis was destroyed on the two-hectare farm, while 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis was recovered as exhibits.

The agency said the latest operations demonstrate its continued efforts to disrupt the production, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs across Nigeria.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operations and urged them to sustain intelligence-led enforcement activities.

The suspects remain under investigation, and the allegations against them have not been established by a court.

NDLEA Seizes N3.4bn Drugs, Arrests Fake Police Officer in Nationwide Crackdown

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Oyo: Police Arrest Serving Air Force Personnel Over Alleged Robbery, Abduction

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Trends Admin

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Olugbenga.

Oyo: Police Arrest Serving Air Force Personnel Over Alleged Robbery, Abduction

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a serving Nigerian Air Force personnel over an alleged armed robbery and abduction in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The arrest was made on September 17, 2026, as police operatives investigated the reported incident, according to the Force’s latest operational update.

A blue Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation was also recovered by the police and taken as an exhibit.

The police did not disclose the identity, rank or unit of the Air Force personnel, nor did they provide details about the alleged victim or explain the circumstances under which the robbery and abduction occurred.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ibadan, for further investigation.

The arrest was among several security operations recorded by the police in Oyo State and other parts of the country between September 17 and 20.

In a separate development in Oyo State, police operatives arrested three suspected members and associates of a kidnapping syndicate.

One of the suspects was arrested on September 18 at Kanbi Village in Atisbo Local Government Area following what the police described as credible intelligence.

Two other suspects were also arrested for allegedly concealing or facilitating the activities of the kidnapping group.

The police said the investigation into the three suspects was also being handled by the SCID in Ibadan.

The two Oyo cases are separate in the police operational summary, and there was no indication that the Air Force personnel arrested over the alleged robbery and abduction was among the three suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate.

The latest arrests form part of wider police operations targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, sexual offences and other criminal activities across several states.

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The Force reported arrests and recoveries in Oyo, Kogi, Kano, Delta, Cross River, Nasarawa, Gombe and Bayelsa states during the period under review.

In Kogi State, police detectives arrested a suspect following a fatal shooting at Ohunene Community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area and recovered a barrel gun allegedly linked to the incident. Another suspect was arrested in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, following a reported missing-person case.

In Kano State, a female suspect was arrested in connection with the death of her husband at Katsalle Quarters in Rogo Local Government Area.

Delta State police reported separate arrests involving alleged sexual offences, including cases involving minors. Officers also arrested three suspects during a raid on a suspected criminal black spot at Umusadege, Kwale, in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, where the suspects were allegedly linked to drug trafficking and cult-related activities.

In Cross River State, police operatives tracked and arrested a suspect following the circulation of a video allegedly showing a cult-related firearm discharge in Calabar.

In Nasarawa State, police recovered a white Toyota Camry allegedly involved in a fatal road traffic incident at Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area.

Gombe State police also recovered a blood-stained machete from the scene of a suspected culpable homicide at Duggari Hills in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

In Bayelsa State, a murder suspect was moved to the SCID in Yenagoa for protective custody following unrest at Ebedebiri, Sagbama Local Government Area. Tactical teams were subsequently deployed to the community to restore law and order.

For the Oyo State Air Force personnel, the police investigation remains ongoing. The recovered Toyota Camry is being treated as an exhibit while detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and abduction.

Similarly, the three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping syndicate remain under investigation.

The allegations against all the suspects have not been established by a court, and the investigations are expected to determine whether they will face criminal charges.