From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction of an 11-year-old boy in Edor Community, Ikom Local Government Area of the state.
The investigation followed the arrest of a 29-year-old suspect, identified as Abashi John, after a report was lodged at the Edor Police Outpost on October 5, 2026, at about 10 p.m.
In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpha Akata, said the report was made by Mr Raphael Eyo, 57, of Edor Community, who alleged that the suspect had taken his son under the pretext of helping him get home safely.
According to the report, the child could not be accounted for afterwards. When contacted, the suspect allegedly claimed that he had dropped the boy in front of his father’s residence.
The following day, Mr Eyo and some community members reportedly visited the suspect’s residence, where the child was found in the suspect’s room with an injury to his head.
The circumstances surrounding the injury remain under investigation.
The police spokesperson said the suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to the Edor Police Outpost before being transferred to the Ikom Division for further investigation.
He is currently in custody pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Command added that the child’s welfare and medical needs were being addressed in consultation with his parent or guardian.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, monitor their children’s whereabouts and promptly report missing children or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Command assured members of the public that the matter was being thoroughly investigated and that further developments would be communicated as appropriate.
It also reminded the public that the suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The police further advised members of the public to avoid speculation, vigilantism or any action that could interfere with the investigation, stressing that the facts of the case were still being established.