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

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

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

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Mina Tele-Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, the government condemned the alleged act, describing it as a violation of the students’ dignity, privacy and fundamental rights.

The ministry stressed that no individual, traditional institution, community organisation or private body had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any form of abuse.

It added that educational assistance must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety and rights of beneficiaries.

The government said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would face appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities.

It also cautioned individuals and community organisations against selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.

The ministry directed schools across the state to enforce child-protection standards and ensure that students were not subjected to coercive, degrading or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarships, disciplinary measures or community development programmes.