The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of two minors—a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl—by a 45-year-old man identified as Paschal.

The Investigation is being handled by the Nkpolu Police Division (UST), Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt.

Sources disclosed that the probe followed formal complaints lodged at the police station by Mrs. Ada, mother of the 10-year-old boy, and Mr. Alex, father of the 11-year-old girl, both residents of the area.

The suspect is said to be a resident of the Pipeline axis in Egbelu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and was reportedly known to the families of the alleged victims.

A human rights advocate, Mr. Prince Wiro, who is also the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, confirmed that the case was reported to him by the parents of the minors.

He said he accompanied them to the Nkpolu Police Division, where the matter was formally documented and the necessary procedures, including medical referrals, were initiated.

Mr. Wiro commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Nkpolu Police Division for what he described as a thorough and professional approach to the case.

He, however, expressed concern about alleged attempts by some individuals in the Egbelu area to resolve the matter privately rather than allow the law to take its course, stressing the need for justice and due process.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would provide an official response but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the father of the 11-year-old girl has denied any form of settlement with the suspect and insisted that the matter should be fully investigated by the police to ensure justice is served. (The Guardian)