Rivers Government Probes Alleged Forced Virginity Tests on Female Students in Taabaa

The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into allegations that the paramount ruler of Taabaa in Khana Local Government Area subjected female students to forced virginity tests at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa.

The allegations have sparked concern over the protection of schoolgirls, following a petition in which the school management accused the traditional ruler, HRH Mene M.S.K. Nule, of coercive practices, invading the school premises and taking over the school farm.

According to Daily Trust, the petition was dated October 12, 2026, and called on the Rivers State Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations. The school management claimed the issues had persisted for about seven years and described the alleged practice as an affront to the dignity of female students.

Nule denied forcing students to undergo medical virginity tests. However, he acknowledged conducting annual school visits during which female students who identified themselves as virgins were asked to stand up. He said the exercise was intended to discourage early sexual activity and encourage students to focus on their education.

The monarch said he began the exercise in 2020 after receiving reports that some teachers were allegedly sexually molesting female students. According to him, the first exercise attracted only one student, while four students identified themselves as virgins in 2025. He said he rewarded each of the four students with ₦20,000.

Nule also acknowledged warning students and teachers that he would pursue allegations of sexual misconduct against teachers. He claimed the warnings led some teachers to leave the school, but maintained that his actions were intended to protect students and improve academic performance. He denied taking any student to a health centre for virginity testing.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) condemned the alleged practice, saying that, if established, it would constitute a serious violation of the rights and dignity of the girl-child. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the organisation called for an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.

The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, also condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing in the school and elsewhere in the state. She urged school authorities to protect students from degrading, coercive or invasive practices, regardless of whether they are presented as cultural traditions, disciplinary measures or community initiatives.

The state government said it had begun investigating the allegations and would take appropriate action, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, if anyone was found culpable. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo had been contacted for comment but had not responded by the time the report was filed.