A man arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA), has told detectives he killed two men to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal crisis nearly 29 years ago, the Cross River State Police Command said.

40-year-old Akaninyene Eretus remains in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID). 

Police said he admitted to killing two victims identified as Okokon and Okon on 24 and 25 May 2026.

Two bodies believed to be those of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sunday Eitokpah said the suspect admitted to killing only two people.

"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," Eretus said.

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He disclosed that one victim was slaughtered while asleep and the other was attacked with a machete.

The discovery of shallow graves in a forest hideout in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, earlier prompted alarm and unverified reports online that the suspect had confessed to killing 30 people.

ASP Eitokpah clarified that only two bodies were recovered and that reports of 30 killings were unconfirmed.

"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," he said.

Eitokpah added the suspect was cooperating with investigators and that his statements remain subject to verification.

"Investigations are ongoing. Charges will follow after forensic and legal processes are concluded," said.

The command appealed to residents to desist from spreading rumours and to report any suspicious information to the police.