World · Africa · 7 hrs ago
Nigeria Investigates Alleged Virginity Tests on 16 Schoolgirls
Nigerian authorities are investigating alleged virginity tests involving 16 secondary-school girls.
The girls were reportedly selected at a public school in Khana, in Rivers State, by people who said they represented a traditional leader.
The girls were allegedly offered scholarships and free books to persuade them to take the tests.
Nigeria’s education ministry called the allegation serious and disturbing, but did not explain how the tests were carried out.
Traditional leaders can hold significant influence in Nigeria, though cases like this are described as rare.
The investigation is under way, and authorities have not announced any findings.
Authorities in Nigeria have opened an investigation into reports that 16 secondary-school girls underwent alleged virginity tests.
The tests were allegedly ordered by a traditional leader.
The girls were reportedly selected at a public school in Khana, Rivers State, last month.
The girls were allegedly enticed to undergo the tests with offers of scholarships and free books.
Nigeria’s education ministry described the allegations as serious and disturbing.
- Who
- Nigerian authorities are investigating reports involving 16 secondary-school girls. A traditional leader allegedly ordered the tests.
- What
- The girls were allegedly selected for virginity tests.
- When
- The girls were reportedly selected last month. The investigation was reported on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- A public school in Khana, Rivers State, in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
- Why
- The girls were allegedly enticed with offers of scholarships and free books. The reason for the tests is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
People claiming to represent a traditional leader reportedly visited a public school in Khana and selected 16 girls for the tests.
A report said Nigerian authorities had begun an investigation into the allegations.
- Girls involved
- 16 secondary-school students
- Location
- Khana, Rivers State, Nigeria
- Alleged inducements
- Scholarships and free books
- Reported investigation
- October 23, 2026
What people are saying
Sixteen (16) female students were allegedly selected to undergo the examination