The Cross River State Police Command has taken into custody a 22-year-old security guard on allegations of sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil of a nursery and primary school in Calabar. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the incident was reported to the police on September 28 by the school proprietress. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to take the pupil to an uncompleted building near the school, where the alleged assault occurred.
The suspect is currently in police custody, and preliminary investigations are ongoing. ASP Eitokpah stated that the suspect would subsequently be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The police command is treating the matter with seriousness, considering the age of the alleged victim and the need to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
The police have assured that appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures would be followed in accordance with the law. The command would ensure a thorough investigation into the matter. ASP Eitokpah urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the police for appropriate intervention.
The police have also cautioned members of the public against sharing the identity, photographs, or other identifying information of the child, stressing the need to protect her privacy and welfare. This measure aims to prevent further distress to the victim and her family. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of pupils in schools.
The Cross River State Police Command's swift action in arresting the suspect has been commended by stakeholders. The command's commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation is evident in its handling of the case. The police have reiterated their determination to work with school authorities and the public to prevent such incidents.
The incident highlights the need for schools to have adequate security measures in place to prevent such incidents. School authorities have been advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the police. The police command has assured that it would work with schools to provide a safe and secure environment for pupils.
The suspect's arrest and subsequent investigation demonstrate the police's commitment to upholding the law and protecting vulnerable members of society. The case will be closely monitored, and the public will be kept informed of developments. The police have urged the public to cooperate with them in preventing and reporting cases of child abuse and exploitation.
Key points
- The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard for allegedly sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil in Calabar.
- The police command is treating the matter with seriousness and following appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures.
- The public has been urged to report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the police and to protect the victim's privacy and welfare.
