The police in Cross River have detained a 35-year-old man over the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Yala Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Calabar on Sunday.
Eitokpah said the victim’s father reported the incident at the Okpoma Divisional Police Headquarters on Oct. 24.
He said the suspect allegedly lured the girl to himself on Oct. 18, raped her and left her stranded at a location within the community.
The police spokesperson said the girl had been referred to a general hospital for medical examination, while the suspect remained in police custody.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Mr Ajo Ordue, had directed a thorough investigation into the matter.
Eitokpah reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons. He urged members of the public to report suspected rape cases promptly to the police.
He also cautioned the public against circulating information, images or other details that could identify the child or expose her to further harm.
