Authorities in southern Nigeria have opened an investigation into reports that 16 secondary school girls were subjected to virginity tests allegedly ordered by a traditional ruler.
The incident reportedly took place at a school in Rivers State, in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, where the girls were allegedly persuaded to undergo the tests with promises of scholarships and free books.
Such incidents are rare in Africa's most populous country, where traditional rulers often wield significant power.
Some rural parts of the south have also fought against female genital mutilation in recent years.
"Sixteen (16) female students were allegedly selected for the exercise," the education ministry said in a statement dated Thursday, describing the allegations as "extremely serious and disturbing".
It said individuals claiming to represent a traditional monarch visited the state school in Khana, Rivers State, last month and selected the girls for testing.
It did not give details on how the tests were carried out.
In 2012, a school principal was suspended and arrested by the police in southwestern Ogun state after allegedly subjecting 10 students to similar tests.
AFP