Akaninyene Eretus, 40, told detectives he murdered two men to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers who died in communal violence nearly three decades ago. Eretus, arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area, admitted to killing the two victims, identified as Okokon and Okon, on May 24 and 25. Two bodies have been recovered and taken to a hospital morgue for identification and autopsy.
During interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eretus explained his motive. "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 said. He revealed that he slaughtered one victim while the man slept and attacked the other with a machete.
The confession came after police discovered shallow graves in a forest hideout in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community. The discovery triggered alarm in the area and unverified reports circulated online claiming Eretus had confessed to 30 murders. The Cross River State Police Command moved quickly to dismiss these claims. Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the reports were unconfirmed and capable of causing public panic.
"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," Eitokpah said. He noted that Eretus was cooperating with investigators but that all his statements remained subject to verification. The police command has asked residents to stop spreading rumours and instead report any suspicious information directly to law enforcement.
Investigators will now conduct forensic examinations and legal reviews before deciding whether to press charges. Eretus remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
