Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of a severed head and two decomposed bodies in a bush area around Ibonda in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a coordinated search operation linked to a reported missing person case that has since escalated into a suspected ritual killing investigation.
Police said the case began on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, at about 3:30pm, when Mmawan Okon reported to the Creek Town Police Post that his father, Mr. Okon Ikon, had gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The report triggered initial search efforts before traditional family inquiries reportedly suggested that the victim may have been killed and buried in a nearby bush.
Following the intelligence, a joint operation involving officers of the Cross River State Police Command, personnel of the Nigerian military, and local youths was launched in the Ibonda area to search suspected locations linked to the disappearance. The coordinated sweep covered thick forested terrain commonly used as farmland and footpaths connecting surrounding communities.
During the operation, one suspect, identified by police as Akaninyine Eretus (40), was reportedly arrested while hiding in the bush. Security operatives said the suspect later led the search team to a site where the severed head of Mr. Okon Ikon was recovered, intensifying suspicions surrounding the nature of the killing.
Further searches in the same general area led to the discovery of another shallow burial site where the remains of a second victim, identified as Mr. Okonkon, were reportedly exhumed. Police sources indicated that both victims appeared to have been killed and dismembered, though forensic examinations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause and circumstances of death.
A second suspect, Uduak Essien (35), was later arrested in connection with the case. Both suspects are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar, where investigators are continuing interrogations and evidence collection.
The Cross River State Police Command stated that preliminary investigations suggest the incident may be linked to suspected ritual activity, though authorities stressed that conclusions will only be made after full forensic analysis and completion of investigations.
Residents of Creek Town and surrounding communities have expressed shock over the discovery, describing the incident as disturbing and calling for increased security presence in rural areas where isolated bush paths and farmlands are often poorly monitored.
Police authorities said additional forensic work is ongoing to confirm identities, establish timelines, and determine whether more individuals were involved in the killings. Investigators are also examining possible connections between the suspects and any wider criminal network operating in the area.
As of Saturday, May 30, 2026, both suspects remain in custody, while the bodies have been deposited for further medical and forensic examination. The police say updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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