Rivers Probes Alleged Forced Virginity Tests on Schoolgirls

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into allegations that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in the Khana Local Government Area, were selected for forced virginity testing.

The ministry condemned the reported incident in a statement dated October 22, following allegations that individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books before allegedly selecting the students for testing.

According to the ministry, the reported selection took place on September 17, 2026, and prompted objections and a peaceful protest by students.

The ministry described the allegations as serious, raising concerns about the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

It stated that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.

The ministry said it had commenced an investigation to establish the facts and would take appropriate action, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, against anyone found to have been involved.

It also directed schools across Rivers State to protect students from degrading, coercive or invasive practices, including activities carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarships, disciplinary measures or community development programmes.

The ministry urged traditional institutions, community organisations, and individuals to ensure educational assistance is provided transparently and without conditions that compromise beneficiaries’ safety, dignity, or rights.

The allegations have raised broader questions about safeguarding children in schools, protecting girls from coercive practices and ensuring that scholarship schemes and other forms of assistance do not expose students to abuse.

The investigation is ongoing. Based on the information reported, the allegations have not been established as findings against any identified individual or institution.