Rivers Govt Probes Alleged Forced Virginity Tests

The Rivers State government has commenced an investigation into the alleged forced virginity tests on female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa in Khana local government area of the state.

The permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, who disclosed this in a statement, condemned the alleged incident, describing it as a serious violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

According to the statement, some persons allegedly acting on behalf of a traditional institution in the community visited the school to select female students for virginity tests under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

The statement said 16 female students were allegedly selected for the exercise on Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by the students.

The ministry described the allegations 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.

It added that educational assistance, including scholarships and exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or fundamental rights of beneficiaries.

The statement said the ministry had begun investigating the report to establish the facts and would take appropriate action, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, against any person or group found culpable.

It also cautioned traditional institutions, community bodies and individuals against engaging in activities involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.

The ministry 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.

It assured the affected students, their parents and guardians, and the wider school community that their concerns were being taken seriously.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student at all times.