By Ado Oyeyemi
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 at a nursery and primary school in Calabar.
The suspect, identified as Bright Bassey Elijah, was reportedly employed as a security guard at the school.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Akata, the incident was reported to the police on September 28 by the proprietress of the school.
The police spokesman said the suspect was allegedly caught taking the child to an uncompleted building within the school’s vicinity, where the alleged assault reportedly occurred.
He said Elijah remained in police custody as detectives commenced preliminary investigations into the allegation.
Akata added that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The command said it was treating the case seriously, particularly because of the age of the alleged victim, and would follow due investigative and child-protection procedures.
The police urged parents, guardians and school authorities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
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The command also appealed to members of the public to protect the child’s privacy by refraining from sharing her name, photographs or other information that could reveal her identity.
