The Cross River State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that an unidentified group was sighted camping along Mary Slessor Avenue in Calabar, clarifying that the individuals seen in the area are street children and vulnerable youths.
In a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Akata, the command said officers swiftly responded to the report by deploying a patrol team to the location opposite the Calabar Zoo for proper verification.
According to the findings of the investigation, the persons involved were not any suspicious or unknown group as alleged online. Instead, they were identified as mostly street-connected children and vulnerable youths, many of whom are indigenes of Cross River State, while others came from neighbouring states due to issues such as parental neglect, lack of care, and other social challenges.
The statement further noted that humanitarian workers from Street Aid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation focused on supporting vulnerable children, were present during the police assessment. The group confirmed ongoing efforts to sensitise the children and facilitate their reunion with their families.
The police explained that the children are already known to several humanitarian organisations and individuals who periodically provide them with food, clothing, and other forms of assistance.
The command commended members of the public for raising the alarm, saying their vigilance helped prompt a quick verification of the situation. It also stressed the importance of continued public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
While confirming that no security threat was discovered, the police stated that monitoring of the area would continue in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including humanitarian groups and government agencies, to ensure both public safety and proper welfare support for the affected children.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as maintaining a safe and inclusive environment across Cross River State.
