The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed widespread fears over reports of a suspected unidentified group allegedly camping around Mary Slessor Avenue in Calabar.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said officers were immediately deployed to the area opposite the Calabar Zoo following viral social media claims suggesting possible security threats.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the individuals spotted at the location were mostly street children and vulnerable youths, many of them indigenes of Cross River State, while a few reportedly came from neighbouring states.
The Command explained that the children had abandoned their homes due to challenges such as parental neglect, lack of care, and difficult social conditions.
Police further disclosed that the affected children are already known to humanitarian organisations and concerned residents who occasionally provide food, clothing, and welfare support.
During the police visit to the area, representatives of Street Aid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation focused on vulnerable children, were reportedly present and confirmed that efforts are ongoing to sensitise the children and reconnect them with their families.
The Command thanked residents for remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements, stressing that public cooperation remains important in maintaining security across the state.
While assuring residents that no immediate security threat was discovered during the operation, the police said monitoring of the area would continue in collaboration with humanitarian bodies and relevant government agencies.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Police Command to protecting lives and property while supporting initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable children within society.
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