By Divine Sam

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

The state Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, explaining that individuals reportedly acting on behalf of a traditional institution visited the school on September 17 and selected the students under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

According to the ministry, the incident allegedly triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students, raising concerns about the protection of minors and the safeguarding of their rights within the school environment.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, described the allegations as a serious threat to the students’ “dignity, privacy and fundamental rights”.

She stressed that no traditional institution, community group or individual has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.

Tele-Ikuru further stated that scholarships and other forms of educational assistance must be provided without imposing conditions that could endanger students or violate their fundamental rights.

As part of its response, the ministry directed all schools across Rivers State to strengthen compliance with child-protection standards and prevent degrading, coercive or invasive practices carried out under the guise of culture, educational assistance or community development.

The state government also assured the affected students and their families that the allegations were being treated seriously.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student in Rivers State as investigations into the incident continue.