The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard over the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old pupil in Calabar.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended after he was allegedly seen taking the child to an uncompleted building close to the nursery and primary school she attends.
The police said the incident was reported to the command on September 28 by the school proprietress.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar, saying the suspect remains in police custody as preliminary investigations continue.
According to Eitokpah, the suspect will subsequently be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police spokesperson said the command was treating the case with the seriousness required, particularly because of the age of the alleged victim and the need to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State assured that investigators would follow the appropriate procedures for cases involving children and sexual abuse, in accordance with the law.
The command also appealed to parents, guardians, school authorities and members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation promptly to law enforcement agencies.
Eitokpah stressed that early reporting could enable the authorities to intervene and begin investigations without unnecessary delay.
The police further warned members of the public against disclosing the identity of the child or circulating her photographs and other information that could reveal who she is.
The warning is aimed at protecting the child’s privacy and welfare while the investigation proceeds.
The police did not disclose further details about the circumstances of the alleged assault or the evidence gathered so far, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the facts of the case as the investigation progresses.
