Rivers govt probes alleged forced virginity testing of students

The Rivers State Government has commenced an investigation into allegations of forced virginity testing of female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area of the state.

The Ministry of Education, which condemned the alleged incident, described the reports as disturbing, stressing that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Mina Tele-Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, the incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when some persons claiming to represent a traditional institution visited the school to select female students for virginity testing under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

The statement said 16 female students were allegedly selected for the exercise, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.

The ministry expressed concern that the alleged action violated the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of the affected students, insisting that educational assistance must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety and rights of beneficiaries.

It said an investigation had commenced to establish the facts surrounding the incident, assuring the public that appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, would be taken against anyone found culpable.

The ministry also warned individuals, traditional institutions and community bodies against engaging in the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.

It further directed all schools in Rivers State to maintain the highest standards of child protection and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.