Suspected Serial Killer, Female Accomplice Arrested in Cross River

Akaninyene Eretus (also spelled Akaniyene Eretus)

Suspected Serial Killer, Female Accomplice Arrested in Cross River

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE – Security operatives have arrested a 40-year-old man identified as Akaninyene Eretus (also spelled Akaniyene Eretus) over allegations of multiple killings in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, with authorities uncovering several shallow graves containing decomposing bodies in a forest hideout . The suspect, an indigene of Obot Akara, was arrested after intelligence reports linked him to the disappearance of several residents in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community in Creek Town .

Operatives of the Nigerian Army and tactical special forces, accompanied by community youths and elders, traced the suspect to a remote hut he had allegedly constructed deep inside the Abanyama Forest . Sources said the suspect allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the arrival of security personnel. He reportedly ran into the hut in an effort to retrieve a weapon before trying to escape into the forest but was quickly surrounded, subdued, and arrested by the operatives .

During a search of the location, security personnel reportedly discovered eight shallow graves believed to contain remains of victims. The bodies were allegedly buried without their heads, while plantain crops had been planted over the graves in what investigators suspect was an attempt to conceal the killings and avoid detection over an extended period . Each grave contained up to five decomposing bodies, according to security sources.

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Investigators said the suspect later led security operatives to the burial sites after allegedly confessing during interrogation to killing about 30 people within the community who had previously been reported missing . The latest alleged killing, which reportedly exposed the operation, was said to have occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 .

According to reports, the suspect claimed a female accomplice assisted him in carrying out some of the attacks by luring unsuspecting residents to isolated areas and holding victims’ heads while he carried out the killings . The female accomplice has been identified as 35-year-old Miss Uduak Essien, who is currently in police custody alongside the primary suspect .

Residents reportedly became suspicious after hearing cries and sounds of struggle on the night of the latest incident . The development was later reported to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, by the councillor representing Creektown Ward 1, Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths, and community elders . The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward also reportedly joined efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest .

The incident has reportedly thrown the community into panic and mourning, with several families attempting to identify relatives who had earlier been declared missing . Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other suspected hideouts linked to the crimes .

When contacted, the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Sunday Akata (also reported as ASP Sunday Eitokpah), confirmed the incident but stated that the matter remains under active investigation . “The incident is true and under active investigation. Further revelations will be made public as the probe progresses,” he said . The suspects, Akaninyene Eretus and Uduak Essien, are currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue . Police have also confirmed the recovery of a severed head and the remains of two victims in a related operation in the Ibonda, Creek Town area.