Farmer Confesses to Beheading Two Elders in Cross River

Akaniyen Ignatiu, a 49-year-old farmer, confessed to the Cross River State Police Command that he beheaded two elderly men, Oko Okon (75) and Okon Akpan (73), in Abanyama Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area, as an act of vengeance for the deaths of his parents and brother. The first murder occurred on May 24, 2026, when Ignatiu strangled Okon in his home and later beheaded him, burying the head on his late father's farm.

The following day, he killed Akpan in a similar manner. The police investigation revealed that Ignatiu's actions stemmed from a long-standing family dispute involving the two elders, who were allegedly responsible for the deaths of his family members.

Following his arrest, Ignatiu led detectives to several shallow graves where the victims' body parts were buried. The case has raised concerns in the community, with reports suggesting that Ignatiu may be linked to up to 30 murders, although this remains unverified.