The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in administering the 2025 English Language exam on Wednesday to intensified measures aimed at preventing examination malpractice, especially the leakage of question papers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruption experienced by candidates during the English Language Paper 2, which was scheduled for May 28 but held several hours behind schedule in many centres nationwide.

Videos and photos circulated on social media showed students sitting for the examination as late as 10pm, relying on torchlights and lanterns due to power outages, a situation that sparked outrage and renewed concerns about examination planning and student welfare.

WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the examination body’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination contributed significantly to the delay.

“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper.

“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination.,” Adesina said.

The examination body also pointed to other compounding factors such as logistical challenges, security concerns, and sociocultural dynamics, which disrupted operations in some areas.

To prevent a recurrence, WAEC said it is working with security agencies to streamline the process and improve operational efficiency in subsequent exams.

“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations.

“In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement added.

WAEC apologised to students, schools, and parents for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked all stakeholders for their understanding during what it described as a “challenging period”.

The examination body reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of its exams and promoting academic excellence across the region.

“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina added.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported on the troubling scenes from several WAEC centres across the country, including videos showing students sitting forexams in dark classrooms using flashlights and kerosene lanterns.

One such incidents was recorded in Delta State, where candidates reportedly began their exam late in the evening due to delayed arrival of papers.

The 2025 WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the election of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for being validly conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

The Appellate Court on Thursday also held that Governor Okpebholo was properly returned and declared as winner of the September 24, 2024 gubernatorial election.

Justice Mohammed Danjuma who delivered judgment in the appeal brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and it’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo held that appeal was devoid of merit and subsequently dismissed it in its entirety.

Justice Danjuma said that both PDP and Ighodalo failed to establish miscarriage of justice in the judgment of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal which had earlier dismissed the petition of the two appellants.

The court of appeal judgment is a unanimous decision of the 3-man panel of Justices of the court.

Nigeria's security situation has dramatically deteriorated during President Bola Tinubu's first two years in office, with armed groups and bandits killing more than 10,000 people across seven states, according to a comprehensive investigation by Amnesty International.

The human rights organization documented at least 10,217 deaths between May 2023 and May 2025 in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. Benue State recorded the highest casualties with 6,896 deaths, while Plateau State saw 2,630 people killed during this period.

New Armed Groups Emerge

The security landscape has become increasingly complex with the emergence of new militant organizations, including Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and Mamuda in Kwara State. These groups have joined existing threats like Boko Haram in terrorizing rural communities across Nigeria's northern regions.

Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the government's response to the crisis. "President Tinubu must fulfill his promises to Nigerians and urgently address the resurgence of the nation's endemic security crisis," Sanusi stated, noting that security measures implemented by the current administration have proven ineffective.

Villages Under Siege

The investigation revealed that 672 villages have been destroyed by bandits across three states, with entire communities forced to abandon their homes. In Zamfara State alone, 481 villages have been sacked while 529 villages remain under bandit control across 13 local government areas.

Daily attacks have become commonplace in Zamfara, with multiple incidents sometimes occurring within 24 hours. The state has recorded 273 deaths and 467 abductions over the past two years, with women and girls comprising the majority of kidnapping victims.

Systematic Destruction

The violence extends beyond killings to systematic destruction of infrastructure. In Benue State, attackers have deliberately targeted essential services, destroying boreholes, medical clinics, schools, grain reserves, and places of worship. All 23 local government areas in the state have experienced such attacks, with 148 villages completely destroyed across seven local governments.

The April 3 attack on Bokkos local government in Plateau State exemplified the brutality, with entire families murdered including children. Between March 27 and April 2, 2025, coordinated assaults targeted five communities simultaneously: Daffo, Gwande, Hurti, Manguna, and Ruwi.

Humanitarian Emergency Looms

The violence has displaced over 515,000 people across the affected regions, creating a looming humanitarian crisis. Benue State alone accounts for 450,000 internally displaced persons, while Plateau State has 65,000 displaced residents. Many communities have been forced to relocate multiple times as attackers target displacement camps and schools serving as shelters.

The displacement of farming communities threatens food security, as agricultural production has been severely disrupted. In Zamfara State's Dangulbi district, farmers watch their sweet potato harvests rot because bandits prevent transportation to markets. Many displaced persons have resorted to begging for survival.

Economic Extortion

Beyond physical violence, armed groups have implemented systematic extortion schemes, demanding tribute payments from rural communities via telephone. Residents face death threats if they fail to meet payment deadlines, creating a climate of economic terrorism alongside physical intimidation.

One resident from Maru local government in Zamfara State described the government's inadequate response: "The only relationship between us and the government is that they issue media statements after we are attacked and killed. When the next attack comes, they will issue another empty statement, while bandits escalate their atrocities."

International Obligations Unfulfilled

Under international human rights law, Nigeria's government has clear obligations to protect citizens' lives and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Amnesty International argues that authorities are systematically failing these responsibilities, creating a cycle of impunity that emboldens further violence.

The organization emphasized that time is running out as attacks continue to escalate daily across multiple states. The failure to hold suspected perpetrators accountable has created an environment where citizens feel completely unsafe, with insurgents and bandits increasingly bold in their operations.

Call for Action

Amnesty International demands immediate concrete action from Nigerian authorities to match their public commitments with effective security measures. The organization has monitored banditry attacks and farmer-herder conflicts since 2016, previously documenting government failures to protect rural communities in a 2020 investigation.

The current crisis represents a significant escalation of Nigeria's long-standing security challenges, with the emergence of new armed groups and the systematic nature of attacks marking a dangerous evolution in the country's instability. Without immediate and comprehensive intervention, the situation threatens to spiral into an even more severe humanitarian catastrophe.

There was widespread anger and frustration on Wednesday among parents and school owners in Taraba State after candidates of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) sat for their English paper late into the night, leaving the examination hall around midnight. 

The examination, which was initially scheduled for earlier in the day, was inexplicably delayed by the examination body until about 9:00 p.m., with no official explanation provided. 

The majority of the candidates, most of whom are teenagers, were visibly exhausted and wrote the paper under extreme stress.

Despite a heavy downpour, school owners and parents were forced to transport their wards to the examination venues at a time when many would normally be asleep.

A school proprietor who spoke with Vanguard confirmed that her students completed their exams at midnight. She expressed concern over the emotional and physical toll on the students, many of whom had been waiting in school throughout the day.

“As teenagers, they needed to be well-fed and in the right frame of mind to write such a critical paper. I had to take full responsibility for their welfare,” she said.

The proprietor also criticized the poor logistical arrangements by the examination body, revealing that she personally drove out in the rain at night to pick up exam supervisors to ensure the examination could eventually hold.

“I had to buy 30 litres of fuel to power the generator so the hall would be properly lit. This wasn’t part of our plan or budget, and we hope it doesn’t happen again.”

Vanguard gathered that while some students managed to return home around midnight, others who couldn’t had to spend the night in school.

The incident has drawn outrage from both parents and educators, who are calling on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to investigate the delay and ensure such a situation does not repeat itself.

Senate asks security agencies to increase surveillance around Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi borders

Senators yesterday linked the current upsurge in banditry and Boko Haram activities to the 2027 elections.
Speaking during discussions on a motion of urgent importance on the many cases of Boko Haram and arm banditry, sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, PDP, Taraba North, both Senators Sunday Karimi, APC, Kogi West and Danjuma Goje, APC, Gombe Central, urged the federal government to look deeper into cases of Boko Haram and the 2027 elections, saying a similar trend trailed the 2015 elections. 

Senator Karimi warned that there were similar cases before the 2015 election, where some individuals prepared for violence in case they lost at the polls.

“In the last two weeks alone, several individuals from my senatorial district, up to 20, 25, even 30, have been kidnapped. You may recall that the governor of Borno State recently stated that the resurgence of Boko Haram has been linked to some disgruntled elements within the country, including some individuals in the military, who are allegedly collaborating with the insurgents. We must ask: why? What is the motive behind this? What do they stand to gain?

“Mr. President, you recently constituted a committee on national security, and I believe this matter must be thoroughly investigated. We cannot allow these disgruntled elements to destabilize the country for selfish political interests.

“We saw similar signs before the 2015 elections, where some individuals prepared for violence in case they lost at the polls. The same pattern appears to be emerging now as we approach the 2027 elections. These attacks may not be random, they may be coordinated efforts by those who feel they are losing political relevance and seek to plunge the country into chaos as a strategy to regain power by force.

“The panel you’ve set up must work closely with our security agencies to expose anyone collaborating with terrorists. These people must be unmasked and held accountable,’’ Karimi said.

On his part, Senator Goje said: “ Mr. President, this isn’t an isolated incident. Crises are erupting across the country, from Karim Lamido to areas in Bauchi, such as Alkaleri, and beyond. We need to ask hard questions: Why now? Why this sudden surge in violence?

“I strongly support Senator Karimi’s call for a deeper investigation. We must determine whether these incidents are linked to the political buildup to 2027. We cannot dismiss this as mere coincidence. 

“Yesterday it was Lau. Before that, Alkaleri. Tomorrow, it could be any state in the federation. It’s shameful and deeply troubling that insecurity remains our nation’s greatest challenge.

“Yes, we acknowledge the efforts of the federal government and security agencies. But clearly, it is not enough. We must elevate national security to our top priority and act decisively.”

On his part, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who lamented the situation where people were killed on daily basis, said ‘’as a people, we must ensure that such tragedies, where over 70 people are killed in a single attack, never happen again

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. I urge the security agencies to act on the Senate’s advice deploy more personnel, set up surveillance systems, and take proactive measures.”

Earlier, the Senate urged the security agencies to increase surveillance around the border of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states.
It also called on state and local governments to be more proactive and resolute in combating insecurity in affected communities.

The Upper Chamber has asked the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission (NEMA & NEDC) to immediately, as a matter of urgency, provide necessary relief materials to the affected Communities. The Senate observed one minute silence in respect of those who lost their lives during the crisis.

In a major policy shift, the Canadian government has announced new immigration cap, slashing the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students’ visas to less than five percent of its population by 2027. 

The move, unveiled during King Charles III’s address at the opening of Canada’s 45th Parliament on Tuesday, is to restore balance to the country’s immigration system and rebuild public trust.

“Canada’s immigration system has long been a source of pride for Canadians and of dynamism for the economy. The government is dedicated to rebuilding the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system,” Britain’s King Charles, who doubles as Canada’s Head of State, said in his throne speech during a live broadcast.

The monarch continued: “The government will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five percent of Canada’s population by 2027. By doing this, the government will attract the best talent in the world to build our economy, while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home.”

For Nigerians and other Africans, who have been among the top contributors to Canada’s international student population, Canada’s new immigration cap and policy change could have far-reaching implications.

In 2023, Canada issued 37,630 student visa to Nigerians, a significant 133.7 per cent jump, compared to the previous year in 2022.

Available records also showed that 36,000 temporary work permit were issued to Nigerians as at December 2023.

However, under the new plan, estimates show that the number of international students is expected to decrease to 305,900 annually from 2025 through 2027, while the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will see a reduction, stabilising at 82,000 permits annually during the same period.

These reductions are part of Canada’s broader strategy to address domestic challenges, such as housing shortages and strained public services. 

By limiting the influx of temporary residents, the government said it aims to alleviate pressure on infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth.

The Canada’s new immigration cap also reflects a growing sentiment within Canada to prioritize permanent residency pathways over temporary ones.

By capping temporary admissions, the government seeks to encourage a more stable and long-term integration of immigrants into Canadian society.

For prospective Nigerian and African students and workers, this means increased competition for limited spots and a need for strategic planning.

Applicants may need to demonstrate higher qualifications, secure admissions to recognized institutions, or align their skills with sectors experiencing labor shortages to enhance their chances.

The Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered fresh setbacks on Wednesday as two members of the House of Representatives, Okolie Lawrence and Akingbaso Olanrewaju, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Lawrence, who represents Aniocha North/Aniocha South/Oshimili North/Oshimili South federal constituency of Delta State, dumped the LP, stating that his decision to join the APC would “bring governance closer” to his constituents.

Olanrewaju, representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State, left the PDP, citing a lingering internal crisis. He said he was aligning himself with the APC’s “ideology and renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.

His defection drew a protest from Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who raised a point of order, arguing that there was no crisis in the PDP. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the objection but continued with legislative business.

The latest defections are part of a growing trend in the House, where several lawmakers have recently abandoned opposition parties for the APC. The shift has further strengthened the ruling party’s influence in the lower chamber, raising concerns within opposition ranks.

…As youths destroy, burn his palatial house

The sleepy Umumba Ndiagu community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Tuesday, erupted in anger when the youths of the community alleged a member of the community, said to be a native doctor, known as Ichie Millions, also called Ezeani, who claimed to be a businessman, was using his vast compound for kidnapping and criminal activities.

They also alleged that it was discovered that the native doctor kills and buries people alive in his compound.

To search for the truth, the youths of the community invaded the compound and to their bewilderment, discovered that the native doctor, Ezeani, had soak away pits that were said to be filled with the dead bodies of human beings.

He allegedly kidnapped his victims, including pregnant women and children, and buried them alive for ritual purposes.
The discovery threw the community into shock and sadness prompting the youths to attack and burn his house.

A trending viral video was seen when the youths ransacked the houses in the compound, including what they said was his shrine.
The community was said to have discovered these dastardly acts after Ezeani was alleged to have been caught kidnapping a 13-year-old minor in his community.

This led to a probe of his activities, which further led to the unveiling of a can of worms in his palatial building, parked with exotic cars.

The community alleged that he was found to have buried several victims alive in a soak-away pit in his compound.

13-year-old victim’s story

“My father and I went to fetch firewood, which we will use to fry our garri. His men came and asked my dad for his cutlass, which he gave them. Suddenly, they grabbed me and kept me in a pit they had dug. I then started crying and the Neighborhood Watch operatives heard my cry and came to rescue me,” the little girl rescued from the hands of Ezeani recounted in a viral video.

Also, in another trending viral video, the voice of a shocked member of the community was heard equally recounting the horror.
“We have caught the killers. They kill people. People’s dead bodies are inside here. They have killed a lot of people. We just rescued a 13-year-old child, who they wanted to use for rituals.

“This is happening in Ojor’s house in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu in Enugu State. This is one of them here,” referring to a suspect apprehended at the scene.

The community youths caught a man who claimed he was a security guard and was asked by the native doctor to guard the compound.
He was seen in the video, dumped on the compound, stripped naked, and tied hands and feet, while the youths went about burning and destroying all structures in the compound.

He, however, denied involvement in the killings but is said to have admitted frequenting the native doctor’s residence for ritual purposes.

The suspect who identified the native doctor as Ezeani explained during interrogation by the angry youths: “I am a business person and I came here. After I finished performing some sacrifices, it remained for a water sacrifice to be performed for me.

“I was waiting for everything to be done for me. There are things to be done but I don’t know what he used to do the things, but what they do here is that as a newcomer, they normally send the person on an errand.

“The owner of this place, Daddy Ezeani, asked me to protect this place and scare anyone coming here away.”

Ezeani is said to be currently on the run but it was gathered that his wives were also caught by the community members while his house and cars were all burnt down by the irate youths.

Police launch manhunt for fleeing native doctor

Meanwhile, the police commissioner, Bitrus Giwa, is said to have ordered for a manhunt for the fleeing native doctor.

In a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police said: “Police operatives of the Enugu State Command, attached to the Umumba Division, in the early hours of May 27, 2025, at about 3:15 a.m., in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and vigilant community members, successfully rescued a 13-year-old girl (name withheld), allegedly kidnapped for ritual murder, at Umuojor village in Ishiagu community of Ezeagu Local Government Area.

“The operation also led to the arrest of three male suspects connected to the crime, namely: Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33; Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36 and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38. The prime suspect, identified as Levi Onyeka Obu nicknamed “Ezeani” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,” a native doctor and prominent member of the community, fled the scene and is currently at large.

“During the rescue, two decomposing bodies, one male and one female, were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building, owned and used as a shrine and heinous criminal activities by the fleeing prime suspect.

“Investigations reveal that the deceased victims were recently murdered and buried in the pit by the suspects for ritual purposes, and the rescued child was moments away from suffering the same fate before the timely intervention.

“In line with its laws, the Enugu State Government has demolished the buildings owned by the fleeing prime suspect and used for the criminal enterprise.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who promptly visited the crime scene, has commended the efforts of the police operatives, local security groups and community members, whose collaboration ensured the success of the operation.

He has also directed the Command’s Tactical Squads, as well as Investigation and Intelligence Units, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices still at large, with a firm resolve to ensure justice is served.”