Tension has reportedly gripped Taabaa community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State following allegations that the community’s traditional ruler subjected female students of Government Comprehensive High School (SNR) to virginity checks.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the school management has petitioned the Rivers State Ministry of Education, accusing the paramount ruler of Taabaa, HRH Mene M.S.K. Nule, of allegedly forcing virginity tests on female students, invading the school premises and taking over the school farm.
The petition, dated October 12, 2026, called for an immediate investigation into the allegations, which were said to have persisted for about seven years. The school management reportedly described the alleged practice as a violation of the dignity and rights of the girl child.
However, Nule denied taking the students to a health centre for virginity tests. He admitted conducting annual roll calls to identify students who claimed to be virgins, explaining that the exercise began in 2020 following reports that some teachers were allegedly molesting female students.
The monarch said the initiative was intended to discourage early sexual activity and encourage students to concentrate on their education. He also disclosed that students who identified themselves as virgins were rewarded with ₦20,000 each in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) condemned the alleged practice, describing it as a serious violation of the rights and dignity of the girl child if established.
The organisation called on the relevant authorities to constitute an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations and ensure that the rights and welfare of the students are protected.
