Rivers Probes Alleged Forced Virginity Tests on 16 Schoolgirls

The Rivers State Government has commenced an investigation into allegations that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, were selected for virginity testing without their consent.

The state Ministry of Education disclosed the investigation in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, condemning the alleged incident as a serious concern involving the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

According to the ministry, the incident reportedly occurred on September 17, when individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

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

The ministry said 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 stressed that scholarships, exercise books and other educational assistance must be provided transparently, without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.

The ministry said it had begun investigating the allegations to establish the facts and would take appropriate action, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, against anyone found responsible.

It also warned traditional institutions, community organisations and individuals against selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity, directly or indirectly.

The ministry directed schools across Rivers State to uphold child-protection standards 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.

The allegations have also drawn attention to concerns raised by the school’s management about activities allegedly carried out at the school over several years.

However, the details of the reported incident remain under investigation, and responsibility has yet to be established by the authorities.

The state government assured the affected students, their parents and guardians that their concerns were being taken seriously, reiterating that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected.