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CAN urges DSS, police To Probe Video Threatening Attacks On Christians

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos.

The association urged the authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, warning that threats of religious violence must not be dismissed as mere chants.

In a statement, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the alleged incitement to religious violence, insisting that Nigerians must be able to gather for worship without fear of attacks on account of their religious beliefs.

Okoh expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that exposing them to messages of hatred could have serious consequences for national unity and peaceful coexistence.

“The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored,” he said.

CAN called on security agencies to establish the time and location of the recording, identify those involved and determine the individuals or groups that may have organised or facilitated the activity.

It also urged the authorities to assess the potential security implications of the video and strengthen protection for Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

While acknowledging the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), the association said such a denial should not preclude an independent investigation.

“The denial of responsibility by any organisation cannot replace an independent investigation into the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants,” it said.

The association further urged investigators to determine whether any individuals or groups sponsored, encouraged or facilitated the alleged threats, stressing that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted without favour or discrimination.

It also called on religious leaders to reject teachings and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.

According to CAN, young Nigerians must not be exposed to messages portraying fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.

The association warned that failure to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable could embolden religious extremists and further undermine peaceful coexistence in a country already facing insecurity and deep-seated distrust.
“Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence,” it said.

CAN, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the investigation proceeds, cautioning against retaliatory actions that could endanger lives and deepen religious divisions.

Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence, the association maintained that every Nigerian was entitled to equal protection under the law, irrespective of religious affiliation.

It urged the government to move beyond condemnation by establishing the facts and ensuring accountability, stressing that the safety of citizens and their freedom to worship must not be left at the mercy of religious extremists.

Mbappe: I Wanted To Win Ballon d’Or, But Kane Deserved It

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Kylian Mbappe has admitted that he wanted to win the Ballon d’Or but accepted that Harry Kane deserved the prestigious individual award, insisting that he would rather return to work than complain about missing out.

The France international said he was disappointed not to emerge as the winner but expressed happiness for Kane, whom he praised for his years of hard work, consistency and ability to deliver at the highest level.

Mbappe said his presence at the award ceremony was driven by his ambition to win the trophy, stressing that although he respected the achievements of other nominees, he was not satisfied with merely being nominated.

“Seeing him lift that trophy made me happy. I was proud of him, genuinely. But let me be clear: I didn’t travel to that ceremony to support Harry Kane. I went there because I wanted to win the Ballon d’Or myself,” he said.

The Real Madrid forward explained that it was possible to congratulate another player on winning while still feeling disappointed about losing out on an award he had hoped to claim.

He added that Kane’s victory did not diminish his own determination to become the world’s best footballer, noting that he would use the experience as motivation to improve his performances.
“I want to win. I want to be the best. And when I lose, I don’t suddenly pretend that winning was never important to me,” Mbappe said.

The French star also insisted that he would not complain about the outcome or seek sympathy from supporters who believed he deserved the award.
“I would rather lose the Ballon d’Or to a player I respect than win the sympathy of people who tell me I deserved it after the ceremony,” he added.

While acknowledging Kane’s achievement, Mbappe maintained that his pursuit of the coveted honour was far from over, pledging to work harder, score more goals and take greater responsibility in his quest for future success.

“Harry had his night, and I respect that. But my story isn’t finished,” he said.

Ebola: NCDC Warns 2027 Election May Be Postponed If Outbreak Spreads

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that the 2027 general election could be postponed if the ongoing Ebola outbreak spreads to a level that threatens public health.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, noting that the decision to consider a shift in the electoral timetable would depend on the severity and geographical spread of the outbreak.

Idris, however, said there was currently no reason to contemplate postponing the election, expressing optimism that the disease would be contained before it could disrupt the country’s electoral process.
“We hope the election will not be postponed, but if the thing (Ebola) gets wide enough, that might be considered. As of now, there is no need for that,” he said.

His remarks have introduced public health concerns into preparations for the 2027 general election, which is expected to commence in January, as political parties and aspirants intensify activities ahead of the polls.

A widespread outbreak could raise concerns about mass gatherings, political rallies and other election-related activities that could increase the risk of transmission, potentially forcing authorities to consider extraordinary measures to protect public health.

The NCDC chief stressed that any decision to postpone the election would be driven strictly by the need to safeguard lives and contain the outbreak, rather than political considerations.

Responding to suggestions that the government could exploit the Ebola outbreak for political purposes, Idris dismissed the possibility, insisting that public health emergencies should not be used as political weapons.
“We in the health sector will not use disease issues as a political weapon. No government will use Ebola as a political weapon,” he said.

The NCDC director-general explained that Nigeria had been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and had anticipated the possibility of the virus spreading to the country.

According to him, population movements, international air travel and activities at Nigeria’s ports of entry were among the factors that heightened concerns about the possible importation of the disease.

He said health authorities had closely tracked developments in the DRC for months and strengthened surveillance efforts in anticipation of potential cases in Nigeria.

Despite these precautions, he noted that the possibility of the virus entering the country could not be completely ruled out because of the volume of international travel and cross-border movements.

The NCDC is expected to continue monitoring the outbreak and coordinating surveillance and response measures to prevent further transmission.

For now, Idris maintained that there was no justification for postponing the 2027 general election, but warned that a significant expansion of the outbreak could force authorities to reconsider the electoral timetable in the interest of public safety.

Shehu Sani Warns NCDC Against Abuse Of N100,000 Ebola Isolation Allowance

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Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has cautioned the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) against possible abuse of its proposed N100,000 weekly allowance for people placed under monitoring following exposure to Ebola.

Sani warned that the financial incentive could encourage some people to falsely claim they had contact with the virus to benefit from the support.

The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, had announced that the agency was considering a weekly payment of N100,000 to each of the 53 contacts linked to Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case in Abuja.

The proposed assistance is intended to cover feeding, accommodation and family support during the 21-day monitoring period, particularly for people whose livelihoods could be affected by isolation-related restrictions.

Reacting to the development on his verified X handle on Monday, Sani urged the agency to establish effective verification mechanisms to ensure that only genuine contacts benefit from the proposed intervention.

He wrote: “The NCDC reportedly said they will give 100k weekly to anyone they keep in isolation over the Ebola virus.

“They should be careful because some people can come forward and claim they have the virus because of the 100k.”

Sani’s warning comes amid intensified efforts by health authorities to trace and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus, as part of measures to prevent further transmission.

The NCDC has confirmed one Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of identified contacts has risen to 53, including healthcare workers and household members.

The agency said the contacts were being monitored for 21 days, with health officials conducting follow-up assessments to identify anyone who develops symptoms.

The proposed financial assistance is aimed at easing the burden of monitoring on affected individuals and their families. However, Sani’s intervention has drawn attention to the need for transparency, accountability and proper screening in the administration of emergency public health funds.

Ebola Scare: NCDC Allays Fears As Suspected Port Harcourt Case Tests Negative

The Atlantic Bell
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has allayed fears over the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, confirming that a newly suspected case reported in Rivers State tested negative.

The agency said the development was reassuring as health authorities intensified surveillance and contact tracing following the confirmation of an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NCDC, however, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, observe recommended preventive measures and rely on verified information from authorised health agencies rather than misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic.

At a briefing on the country’s response to the outbreak, the agency disclosed that the only confirmed case remained in isolation and was receiving treatment, adding that no deaths had been recorded.
It also said the number of identified contacts of the confirmed patient had risen from 44 to 53, comprising healthcare workers, household members and other people who might have been exposed to the virus.
The contacts are being monitored for 21 days, the maximum recognised incubation period for Ebola.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said investigations were ongoing to establish the source of infection and reconstruct the patient’s movements before her diagnosis.

Of the 53 contacts, 44 were identified at a health facility, while nine additional contacts emerged from further investigations. The latter group comprises three household members, three healthcare workers at a university teaching hospital the patient visited before arriving at the facility where her infection was identified, and three members of
the team that collected her samples.

Idris explained that the number of contacts could increase as investigations progressed and more people potentially exposed to the virus were identified.

He said public health officials were interviewing those already identified to establish their movements and interactions and determine whether further contact tracing was necessary.
According to him, contacts who remain without symptoms may be monitored at home, with their temperatures checked twice daily, while anyone who develops symptoms would be promptly assessed and isolated where necessary.

The NCDC chief stressed that being identified as a contact did not mean that a person had contracted Ebola, urging those under surveillance to cooperate with health officials.

He acknowledged that monitoring arrangements could affect the livelihoods of those involved, particularly people whose businesses and family responsibilities might be disrupted by restrictions.
Idris said the Federal Government was considering weekly financial assistance of N100,000 for each of the 53 contacts to cushion the effects of monitoring and possible isolation.

He added that the proposal would require coordination with the FCT administration, which might take over the process, while urging state governments to prepare similar support measures should restrictions become necessary.

On the condition of the confirmed patient, Idris said she was improving, while tests conducted on her husband had returned negative. “The husband has been with the wife. The husband is negative. They travelled together to various places, so the travel history is still unfolding to give us a clear picture,” he said.

The NCDC director-general explained that the patient arrived in Nigeria without symptoms, making it difficult to detect the infection through routine screening at the time of her arrival. He said the infection came to light after health officials reviewed her medical and travel history.

Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, had disclosed that the index patient was born in Uganda and arrived in Abuja with her husband on October 3. Her husband is a diplomat with the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria.

Idris said the national incident management system had been activated to coordinate the response involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, FCT health authorities, other government agencies and technical partners.

He added that the country had stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE), with additional supplies expected for healthcare facilities and states managing suspected cases and contacts.

The NCDC is also strengthening diagnostic capacity, with about 12 laboratories identified as capable of testing for Ebola, including the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology in Lagos.

Idris said additional reagents, consumables and technical support were being provided to improve laboratory readiness, while genomic sequencing was ongoing to establish the relationship between the virus detected in the patient and previously identified strains.
He cautioned that not all laboratories possessed the biosafety infrastructure and expertise required to handle Ebola samples.
The Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak currently has no approved vaccine, although vaccine candidates are undergoing clinical trials.

The NCDC urged healthcare facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly report suspected cases.
Idris also advised healthcare workers to implement appropriate protective measures immediately when they encounter a suspected case rather than wait for laboratory confirmation.

He called on Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of suspected cases, and promptly report possible exposure or symptoms.

“Our immediate priority is to identify and follow up all contacts, protect healthcare workers, provide appropriate care and prevent transmission into the wider community,” he said.

CAPIS 3C Education Series — Episode 1

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Hello, and welcome.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who likes to understand what you’re getting into before you get into it — not just take a brand’s word for it. We respect that. This series is built for exactly that kind of reader.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be walking you through the CAPIS Commonwealth Card (3C) Service — one piece at a time, in plain language. No financial jargon dumped on you all at once. No rushing. Just clear explanations, real-world context, and honest answers to the questions you’re probably already asking: What exactly is 3C? How does it work? Who is it for? And where, if anywhere, do you fit into it?

We’re starting that journey today, with Episode 1.

WHAT IF GETTING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES ISN’T AS HARD AS IT SEEMS?

Every day, major commercial projects are happening around us.

New businesses are being built.

Agricultural systems are expanding.

Energy projects are being developed.

Shopping centres are being constructed.

Transportation systems are being created.

And behind every one of these projects is something many people don’t think about:

Opportunity.

But here’s the interesting part.

Millions of Nigerians can see these opportunities happening…

without ever becoming part of them.

Not because they lack ambition.

Not necessarily because they lack skills.

Sometimes, they lack access to a structured pathway that lets them participate.

Think about it.

You see a major commercial project being announced.

You know it will create economic activity.

You know there will be businesses involved.

You know people will make money from it.

But you find yourself thinking:

“How do I become part of something like this?”

And for many people, that’s where the conversation ends.

They watch the opportunity happen from the outside.

They remain observers.

But what if there was another way?

What if ordinary Nigerians could have a structured pathway to participate in qualifying commercial projects?

That’s part of the idea behind the CAPIS Commonwealth Card (3C).

With a one-time platform access fee, 3C gives clients access to a structured platform through which they can explore and bid to participate in qualifying commercial projects executed by CAPIS Limited.

The idea is simple:

You shouldn’t always have to be a spectator when economic opportunities are being created.

You should have a pathway to explore how you can participate.

And that’s where we’re going with this series.

We’ll take you through 3C one step at a time.

No complicated financial jargon.

No trying to explain everything in one sitting.

Just simple explanations, real examples, and practical stories that help you understand what 3C is, how its pathways work, and where you may fit into the ecosystem.

For now, there’s one question worth asking:

What if the opportunity isn’t actually out of reach?

NEXT EPISODE

So, What Exactly Is 3C?

‘Civility Is Not Weakness’: Obi Vows Lawful Resistance To Political Intimidation, Demands Supporter’s Release

The Atlantic Bell
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Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale, alleging that his supporters are being subjected to intimidation and harassment across the country.

Obi, in a statement, described the continued harassment of his supporters as disturbing and unacceptable, citing Olawale’s arrest as the latest example of what he characterised as politically motivated intimidation.

He also criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of undermining democratic values by allegedly encouraging or facilitating political violence. “President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor said his political campaign remained peaceful and focused on issues, with an emphasis on providing Nigerians with a credible alternative anchored on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

According to him, his movement has chosen persuasion over intimidation and peace over violence, insisting that its commitment to civility should not be interpreted as a lack of resolve. “We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation. However, nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” he said.

Obi maintained that neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence or abandon their commitment to building what he described as a New Nigeria.

He demanded transparency over the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest, his immediate release, respect for his fundamental rights and an end to what he called politically motivated harassment.

The NDC presidential candidate further argued that Nigerians should be free to support candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or persecution. “No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” he said.

While reaffirming his commitment to peaceful political engagement, Obi vowed that he and his supporters would resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights through lawful means.
“We will remain peaceful but resolute. We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights,” he said.

He concluded with his political movement’s familiar declaration that “a New Nigeria is possible and will be OK.”

CDC, RIVCHPP Partner To Expand Health Insurance For HIV Patients, Vulnerable Residents

The Atlantic Bell
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RIVCHPP’ s management team and the health stakeholders at the end of the visit.

The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is exploring a partnership with the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to expand health insurance coverage for people living with HIV and other vulnerable residents of the state.

The proposed collaboration is aimed at strengthening sustainable health financing, increasing enrolment in the state’s health insurance scheme and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to affordable healthcare.

The commitment was made during an advocacy visit by a delegation comprising the US CDC, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Rivers State Ministry of Health to the RIVCHPP office on Wednesday, September 20, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, the team lead and Country Director of the US CDC, Meegha Desai, said the stakeholders were seeking sustainable health financing mechanisms for people living with HIV and other vulnerable members of society.

Desai said the engagement was also intended to identify strategies for expanding enrolment and improving retention under the state health insurance scheme.

Representative of RIVCHPP’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Juliet Aleme, in a chat with the team lead of the stakeholders , Meegha Desai, at the end of the visit.

The stakeholders urged RIVCHPP to strengthen efforts to identify the poorest and most vulnerable residents, while adopting innovative approaches to public awareness and health insurance education.

They also called for the exploration of mandatory health coverage and alternative funding sources, warning that over-reliance on government funding could undermine the long-term sustainability of health insurance programmes.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, represented by the Head of the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Juliet Aleme, said the agency remained open to partnerships that would expand health insurance coverage across Rivers State.

Agala expressed appreciation to the US CDC for its support in developing RIVCHPP’s operational guidelines, actuarial studies and benefit package.

She urged stakeholders, corporate organisations, multinational companies and local governments to sponsor health insurance policies for people within their areas of operation, particularly vulnerable residents and people living with chronic illnesses.

She said broader participation from public and private sector organisations would help improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of illness on disadvantaged populations.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen efforts to achieve wider health insurance coverage in Rivers State, particularly among people who face financial and other barriers to accessing essential healthcare.

Fubara Vows Justice As Kula Gunboat Attack Leaves 10 Feared Dead

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed that those found culpable in the killing of 10 persons in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, will be brought to justice.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday when residents of the coastal community staged a peaceful march to Government House, Port Harcourt, to demand government intervention over the incident.

The attack reportedly occurred amid a dispute between the community and Ebeto Company over the removal of a vessel allegedly linked to unresolved complaints of oil spills, compensation and employment opportunities for indigenes.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, Fubara expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and urged the community to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into its own hands.

He assured the protesters that the state government would ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and that anyone found responsible would face the full weight of the law.
“We want to sympathise with the Kula Community and the bereaved families. Anybody who is involved in this incident or found culpable for whatever happened will definitely pay for it according to the law.

“We are not going to sit by and allow Rivers indigenes to go through this type of unnecessary death,” the governor said.
Earlier, the leader of the Kula delegation, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the community visited Government House to formally report the incident and seek the governor’s intervention.

He said the community had the capacity to retaliate but had chosen to pursue a peaceful resolution by bringing its grievances before the state government.
“It is proper we inform him (Fubara) because we don’t want to take the laws into our hands. We have the capacity to react, but we don’t want to react,” he said.
Sara-Igbe, a traditional ruler in Kula Kingdom and pioneer spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), had earlier alleged that six gunboats were deployed to retrieve a disputed vessel from the community despite ongoing negotiations to resolve the disagreement.

The dispute reportedly centres on MV Anabra, a vessel said to have been hired from Chief Cletus Ibeto by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Belema Oil joint venture about two years ago for crude oil storage at Oil Mining Lease 65.

According to Sara-Igbe, the community had accused the company of failing to address alleged oil spills associated with the vessel’s operations and demanded compensation, employment and empowerment opportunities for its people.

He said the community refused to release the vessel after its contract expired because the outstanding issues had not been resolved.

The traditional ruler claimed that negotiations had been progressing towards an amicable settlement when he received information that six gunboats had been sent to remove the vessel forcibly.

He alleged that one of the boats conveying community members was struck during the confrontation and sank, leaving its occupants missing and feared drowned. Two members of Amama Soldiers, a private security outfit reportedly engaged by the community to prevent the vessel’s removal, were also among those feared missing.

Sara-Igbe further alleged that the gunboats left the scene without attempting to rescue those who had fallen into the water. These claims have yet to be independently verified.

He said he had contacted the commanding officer at Bori Camp, who reportedly denied knowledge of the operation. Subsequent inquiries, he added, suggested that the gunboats might have originated from Section Two or Section Three in Okrika, although this allegation was also unverified.

The traditional ruler said the police and the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division had been notified, while efforts were ongoing to locate the missing persons.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine the actual number of casualties.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the incident reportedly resulted in loss of lives, adding that investigators were working to ascertain the number of victims.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the incident in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, which reportedly resulted in the loss of lives.
“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Agabe said.

The state government’s pledge to investigate the incident comes amid calls for accountability over the deaths and the need to resolve the underlying dispute peacefully.

Rivers Condemns Alleged Forced Virginity Tests On Schoolgirls In Taabaa

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The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, describing the incident as a serious violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

The ministry said the alleged exercise involved persons claiming to represent a traditional institution in the community, who reportedly visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, 16 female students were allegedly selected for the exercise on Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.

The ministry described the allegations as disturbing, stressing that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.

It also warned that educational assistance, including scholarships and the distribution of learning materials, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or fundamental rights of beneficiaries.

The ministry disclosed that it had commenced an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident, adding that appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, would be taken against anyone found culpable.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, it cautioned traditional institutions, community organisations and other individuals against activities involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.

The ministry further directed all schools in Rivers State to maintain the highest standards of child protection and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
Reassuring the affected students, their parents and guardians, as well as the wider school community, the ministry said their concerns were being taken seriously.

It reiterated that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times, regardless of cultural practices or the identity of those involved.

The ministry’s position comes amid concerns over the protection of schoolchildren from practices that could expose them to coercion, humiliation and violations of their bodily privacy.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported selection of the students and determine whether any individuals or groups breached their rights.

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