A man in his late 30s, identified simply as Akaninyene, has allegedly confessed to killing about 30 persons in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The suspect, who reportedly lived alone in a secluded hut inside a forest, was arrested following intelligence linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim in the community.

According to security sources, Akaninyene, in his confessional statement to investigators, claimed that a woman assisted him in carrying out the killings by holding down victims while he slit their throats.

He further disclosed that the latest killing, which eventually led to his arrest, allegedly took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

A search conducted around the suspect’s hideout reportedly uncovered several shallow graves concealed beneath plantain crops. Community sources said about eight graves were discovered, with some containing multiple headless bodies, suggesting the killings may have continued for months without detection.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly led operatives to some of the burial sites where decomposing bodies were exhumed. He also claimed that the woman worked with him by luring unsuspecting victims to the isolated location before they were killed.

The alarm was reportedly raised after residents heard cries and sounds of struggle believed to have come from the suspect’s hideout during the last attack.

The Councillor representing Creek Town Ward 1, Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths and community elders, subsequently reported the recurring cases of missing persons to the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Ukpong Etim Asido, who alerted security agencies.

The development shocked residents of the area, many of whom said they never suspected the suspect was allegedly behind the mysterious disappearances recorded in the community.

The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Effiom Ekene, as well as Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward, were also said to have joined efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.

Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other suspected hideouts linked to the crimes.

Spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, Superintendent Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident,

The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed an ambush attack on residents of Kofai Amadu community, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. in a busy trading hub where residents of different ethnic groups were engaged in normal commercial activities.

According to eyewitness accounts, panic erupted when gunshots were suddenly heard from a nearby bush close to the yam market area.

The unexpected shooting forced farmers returning from their farms, as well as traders and other market users, to flee for safety.

Amid the confusion, some farmers in surrounding farmlands later reported seeing armed attackers moving around a settlement located about two kilometres from the market area.

As the panic spread, the lifeless body of a young man with gunshot wounds was discovered. Community members immediately alerted security operatives, who later arrived at the scene to restore calm and begin preliminary investigations.

Residents of Kofai Amadu have called on security agencies to increase surveillance in the area and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, while awaiting further official clarification.

Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, said he was briefed about an ambush on individuals who had gone to their homes in the crisis affected area to retrieve belongings.

He added that the victims were allegedly attacked by armed men described as Fulani militia, and that one person was shot and confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

He further stated that the area has since been brought under control and is currently calm.

Operatives of the Department of Operations, DOPS, Buffalo Team in Delta State, attached to the second Niger Bridge on stop-and-search duty, have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered from them a pump action gun, live cartridges and other incriminating items. 

The suspects, Ugo Chukwu Kendirim, 25, and Odo Jude, 27, who are currently in custody, were arrested on 27 May 2026, DAILY POST can report. 

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe confirmed the report in a statement on Friday.

The Police Image maker said, “The Delta State Police Command has recorded another operational success with the arrest of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a pump action gun, a live cartridge, and other incriminating exhibits.”

According to SP Edafe, “On 27 May 2026, operatives of the Department of Operations (DOPS) Buffalo Team attached to the Second Niger Bridge, while conducting a targeted stop-and-search operation, intercepted an unregistered blue Hijet Cargo mini bus travelling from Anambra State into Delta State.”

He explained that, “During the operation, the occupants of the vehicle attempted to discourage the officers from carrying out a search and threatened to record the officers if the search proceeded.

“The operatives, however, remained professional and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. The search led to the recovery of one pump-action gun loaded with one live cartridge and two daggers.

“The suspects, identified as Ugo Chukwu Kendirim, 25, and Odo Jude, 27, were immediately arrested and taken into custody. 

“Preliminary investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the recovered exhibits and to determine any possible links to criminal activities.”