Police Arrest 29-Year-Old Suspect Over Alleged Abduction of 11-Year-Old in Cross River

Police Arrest 29-Year-Old Suspect Over Alleged Abduction of 11-Year-Old in Cross River

By Goodness Ekpang

Calabar (Core Reporters) – The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man over the alleged abduction of an 11-year-old boy in Edor Community, Ikom Local Government Area, after the child was reportedly found in the suspect’s room with a head injury.

The Command said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the injury sustained by the child.

According to a police statement, the incident was reported on October 5, 2026, at about 10 p.m. at Edor Police Outpost by the boy’s father, 57-year-old Raphael Eyo, a resident of the community.

Eyo reportedly alleged that the suspect, identified as Abashi John, had taken his son under the pretext of helping him get home safely.

However, 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, Eyo and some community members reportedly visited the suspect’s residence, where the child was allegedly found in the suspect’s room with an injury to his head.

The police said the circumstances surrounding the injury remained under investigation.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to Edor Police Outpost before being transferred to Ikom Division for further investigation. He is currently in police 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, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, keep track of their children’s whereabouts and promptly report missing children or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The Command assured the public that the case was being thoroughly investigated and that further developments would be communicated as appropriate.

It also cautioned members of the public against speculation, vigilantism and actions capable of interfering with the investigation, stressing the need to allow investigators to establish the facts.

The police further emphasised that the suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.