Rivers Government Investigates 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, HRH Mene M.S.K. Nule, subjected female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, to forced virginity tests.

The controversy has sparked tension in the community, with the school management condemning the alleged practice as a violation of the dignity and rights of the girl-child.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the school management raised the allegations in a petition dated October 12, 2026, accusing the traditional ruler of allegedly forcing students to undergo virginity tests, invading the school premises and taking over the school farm. The management claimed the alleged incidents had continued for about seven years and called on the Rivers State Ministry of Education to investigate.

However, Nule denied forcing students to undergo medical virginity tests. He admitted conducting annual exercises in which female students who identified themselves as virgins were asked to stand up, saying the initiative was intended to discourage early sexual activity and encourage students to concentrate on their education.

The monarch said he began the exercise in 2020 after receiving reports that some teachers were allegedly sexually molesting female students. He explained that he visited the school annually with his team to speak to students about abstinence and the importance of completing their education.

Nule claimed that four students identified themselves as virgins during the 2025 exercise and that he rewarded each of them with N20,000. He also acknowledged warning teachers and students about alleged sexual misconduct, claiming that some teachers left the school because they feared his intervention. He maintained, however, that he had never taken any student to a health centre for virginity testing.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) condemned the alleged practice, describing it as a serious violation of the rights and dignity of female students if established. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the organisation raised concerns about possible breaches of the Child Rights Act and the Rivers State Child Rights Law, calling for an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

The Rivers State Government confirmed that an investigation was underway to establish the facts and determine whether any wrongdoing had occurred. It said appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, would be taken against anyone found culpable.

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 other schools across the state. She urged school authorities to uphold child-protection standards and warned against degrading, coercive or invasive practices being carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, discipline or community development.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo said she would make inquiries after being contacted for a response. She had not responded by the time the report was filed.