Security guard arrested over alleged sexual assault on toddler in Calabar school

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard following an allegation of sexual assault on a five-year-old pupil in a nursery and primary school in Calabar.

The suspect, Bright Bassey Elijah, was reportedly attached to the school as a security guard.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to him, the incident was reported to the police on September 28 by the proprietress of the school.

He said the suspect was allegedly caught taking the five-year-old pupil to an uncompleted building within the vicinity of the school, where the alleged assault occurred.

Akata said the suspect remained in police custody while preliminary investigation is ongoing.

He added that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

The command said it was treating the case seriously, particularly because of the age of the alleged victim, and would follow appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures.

The police urged parents, guardians and school authorities to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation promptly.

The command also appealed to members of the public not to circulate the child’s identity, photographs or other identifying details, stressing that her privacy and welfare must be protected.