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