By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard, Bright Bassey Elijah, over an allegation of sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil of a nursery and primary school in Calabar.
The suspect, who was attached to the school as a security guard, was arrested following a complaint lodged by the proprietress of the school with the police .
According to the police, the suspect was allegedly caught taking the five-year-old girl to an uncompleted building within the vicinity of the school, where the alleged assault occurred.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Eitokpah Sunday disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, made available to journalists.
Sunday said the suspect was currently in police custody, adding that preliminary investigation was ongoing.
He stated that the suspect would subsequently be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“The Command is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, particularly given the age of the alleged victim,” the statement said.
The police spokesman added that appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures would be followed in accordance with the law.
The command urged parents, guardians, school authorities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the police.
The police also cautioned members of the public against sharing the identity, photographs or other identifying information of the child to protect her privacy and welfare.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and that due process would be observed.
