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

Published

2 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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Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

Published

35 minutes ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

The Federal Government has activated enhanced seismic monitoring following a light earth tremor that shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directing the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates on seismic developments around Abuja. The directive came after the NGSA confirmed that several buildings across Abuja experienced vibrations on August 4, 2026, with the agency’s Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recording the event at exactly 11:23:27 a.m.

According to the NGSA, the earth movement originated from a depth of one kilometre beneath the earth’s surface and spread across a distance of four kilometres within five seconds. The agency classified the incident as a “light event of I to II magnitude” on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, explaining that such tremors pose no threat to lives or property. “This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency stated.

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Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors on joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, responded through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise. He directed the NGSA to submit hourly reports on any fresh seismic developments for his regular review and, where necessary, onward communication to other relevant government agencies. The minister assured residents that proactive measures had been deployed to safeguard lives and property across affected locations, noting that government agencies are closely monitoring the situation. “Residents should go about their lawful activities without anxiety. Necessary measures have been deployed to ensure public safety,” Alake said.

Nigeria experiences occasional low-intensity earth tremors despite lying outside the world’s major earthquake zones. Isolated tremors have been recorded in parts of the country over the years, including in Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo and Bayelsa states. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency operates a network of seismic monitoring stations across the country to detect and analyse such events, providing early scientific assessments to guide emergency response and reassure the public. Experts have consistently noted that most tremors recorded in Nigeria have been of low magnitude and have not resulted in significant damage to lives or property, but they underscore the importance of continuous seismic monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

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Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

Published

4 hours ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and late Husband Adeniyi Adeosun

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

The Adeosun family has announced the passing of Mr. Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. He died on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos at the age of 62.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the family confirmed the news “with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God.” The announcement was signed by Reverend C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

According to the family, the late Anthony Adeosun was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and unwavering faith. His character and values earned him admiration from all who knew him, as he remained devoted to serving God while making lasting contributions to his family and community. “Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him. He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community,” the family’s statement read.

The deceased is survived by his wife, former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun; his cherished children; and his siblings, including Mr. Adewale (Wale) Adeosun, founder of Kuramo Capital Management, a leading African private equity firm with over $500 million under management. He is also survived by numerous other relatives, friends and associates.

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While mourning his death, the family said it was comforted by its Christian faith and the assurance of eternal rest for believers. They cited Revelation 14:13, which says: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The family has appealed to the public to respect its privacy as it mourns the loss, noting that details of the funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced in due course. The family also expressed appreciation to friends, associates and well-wishers who had reached out with prayers, condolences and support since the news of his passing. “We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2018 under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. During her tenure, she spearheaded a number of fiscal reforms, including the Whistle-blower policy, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Efficiency Unit, which helped recover billions of naira and improve transparency in public finance. She has since devoted herself to philanthropy, focusing on uplifting vulnerable children and supporting the less privileged.

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

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176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom After Six Months in Captivity

Published

4 hours ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom After Six Months in Captivity

The Kwara State Government has confirmed the release of 176 residents abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly six months of captivity for the victims. The development was announced on Wednesday through a post on the state government’s official Facebook page by Olayinka Fafoluyi, media aide to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. The statement expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security forces for their role in securing the victims’ freedom. “Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” the statement read.

The victims, who spent 183 days in captivity following their abduction during one of the deadliest attacks in Kwara State’s history, were rescued on Wednesday in what officials described as a joint security operation. Confirming the development, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, disclosed that the victims were being held at the Wawa Military Cantonment in neighbouring Niger State pending their transportation back to Kwara. “Yes, it’s true that they have been released, and I can’t tell for now whether ransom was paid or not. They are currently in Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State because our people are not the only victims released. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government is currently arranging vehicles that will bring them to Ilorin,” Danladi stated.

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The victims were abducted when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that reportedly lasted for several hours. The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in the state’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced many residents. Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped and burnt inside their operational office. In April, a video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to secure their release. Speaking from captivity alongside fellow victims, the woman disclosed that the group included pregnant women, young children and sick persons. “We are from Woro in Kaiama local government. We were taken on February 3, and today is April 8. This is the last opportunity they have given us,” she said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, commended the efforts of security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the operation. He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and security personnel for their joint roles in securing the victims’ freedom. The member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, described the release as a major relief. “Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives,” the lawmaker said. However, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said he was yet to receive official confirmation when contacted. “I’m not aware, so I cannot confirm it. I made contacts to Kaiama Local Government; still, I couldn’t get concrete information,” the police commissioner stated.

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any rescue operation, negotiation or ransom payment led to their freedom. However, top sources in the Kwara State Government and State Security Service indicated that negotiations took place, though they did not mention whether payments were made. Last Friday, Chairman Danladi had dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the abducted residents, stating, “We have not forgotten them. We are collaborating with the state government to get them rescued. But this is a security matter and we cannot disclose everything on the pages of newspapers.” He had expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.