Nigeria Opens Investigation After 16 Schoolgirls Were Allegedly Subjected to Virginity Tests

Authorities in Rivers State, southern Nigeria, have opened an investigation into allegations that 16 schoolgirls were subjected to virginity tests. According to the state education ministry, people claiming to represent a traditional ruler allegedly selected the students at a public school in Khana last month, promising scholarships and free books. The ministry called the allegations extremely serious and concerning but did not specify how the examinations were carried out. Investigators are to establish what happened and who was responsible; such tests are widely condemned as lacking reliable scientific basis and violating girls’ dignity and rights.