CALABAR, Nigeria — The Cross River State Police Command says a 40-year-old man arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area, has allegedly admitted killing two men in what he described as revenge for the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal crisis nearly three decades ago.
The suspect, identified as Akaninyene Eretus, is in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, where police say he is assisting detectives. According to the command, he allegedly confessed to killing two victims, identified as Okokon and Okon, on May 24 and 25, 2026.
Police said two bodies believed to be those of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy. The command said forensic and legal processes would determine the next steps before charges are filed.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest but urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims. He said the command was investigating two alleged murders, not the 30 killings being circulated on social media.
“The command is investigating two alleged murders at this time. Reports of 30 killings are unconfirmed and capable of causing panic,” Eitokpah said, advising residents to rely only on official police briefings.
The clarification followed widespread alarm after reports emerged about shallow graves discovered in a forest hideout in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community. Earlier local reports had claimed the suspect confessed to killing about 30 people, but police said those claims had not been verified.
According to police accounts cited by local media, Eretus allegedly told investigators that he had lived for 29 years with pain over the killing of his relatives and believed he was avenging their deaths. He reportedly claimed one victim was attacked while asleep, while the other was killed with a machete.
Police stressed that the suspect’s statements remain subject to verification and that investigators are still examining the crime scenes, recovered remains and possible links to other unresolved cases.
The incident has unsettled residents of Creek Town and surrounding communities, where rumours of multiple killings have circulated widely. The police command appealed for calm and urged anyone with useful information to come forward.
Authorities said the investigation would continue until all facts are established and any accomplices or related crimes are identified.
