Rangers first noticed the unlikely family traveling together at night, the cubs trotting at the lion’s side as if they had always belonged there. Over the weeks, the cameras showed more: the lion pausing to let the cubs rest, sharing kills, and even circling protectively when other predators approached.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State is facing mounting pressure to step down following a viral video in which he admitted to knowing the locations of bandits plaguing the state but claimed he was powerless to act. The undated clip, spoken in Hausa, has sparked widespread outrage, with critics labeling the governor’s remarks as reckless and self-incriminating.
In the video, Lawal revealed that he could track bandits’ movements using devices at his disposal, stating, “I swear to God wherever bandits are, we know. I know, I can show you on this phone wherever they are… I know, but we can do nothing.”
He further claimed that the banditry crisis could end in two months if he had direct control over security operatives, lamenting that his procurement of 150 vehicles for security agencies was ineffective due to directives coming from Abuja.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, particularly given the billions of naira in security votes Lawal has received since taking office nearly three years ago. A senior government official in Abuja, speaking anonymously, described the governor’s statements as “irresponsible” and a “slap in the face” to security forces and Zamfara residents. “He has received substantial funds for intelligence and operations, yet he claims helplessness. If he knows the bandits’ locations and hasn’t shared this with the National Security Adviser, DSS, or military, he is failing in his duties,” the official said.
He has received substantial funds for intelligence and operations, yet he claims helplessness. If he knows the bandits’ locations and hasn’t shared this with the National Security Adviser, DSS, or military, he is failing in his duties
Zamfara remains a hotspot for banditry, with recent attacks underscoring the crisis’s severity. On August 23, gunmen raided Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages in Bukkuyum, killing two and abducting over 100. Earlier, an assault on Kauran Namoda left 24 dead, 16 injured, and 144 kidnapped. Residents, already reeling from such violence, expressed anger over Lawal’s comments. “If he knows where the bandits are and does nothing, he is unfit to lead,” said a community leader in Maru, speaking anonymously.
Security expert Dr. Usman Shehu called the governor’s remarks “reckless at best, complicit at worst,” warning they could embolden criminals and erode trust in governance. The official in Abuja hinted at discussions about a potential state of emergency in Zamfara, citing the governor’s failure to address the crisis despite significant resources. “Villages are burning, children are abducted, yet the governor, with a heavily armed convoy, claims powerlessness. It’s unacceptable,” the source added.
The controversy has also stirred Zamfara’s political landscape, with lawmakers reportedly considering a probe into Lawal’s handling of security votes and intelligence-sharing. The governor’s media team has not responded to requests for comment, leaving his administration under intense scrutiny.
As violence continues to ravage Zamfara, calls for accountability grow louder. Whether through resignation, a probe, or federal intervention, Governor Lawal’s admission has placed him at the center of a crisis that threatens both his leadership and the state’s stability.
However, he expressed relief that her current partner is a good man, which gives him peace of mind.
According to him, his son now enjoys the rare privilege of having two father figures, which he considers a blessing rather than a loss.
Jim Iyke described the parenting styles in both households as complementary.
While his ex-wife’s partner takes a softer and easy-going approach, he positions himself as the disciplinarian, instilling resilience and perspective in their son as a black man navigating the world.
He added that the combined influence has created a balance, which has made his child one of the happiest and most grounded children he has ever known.
He said: “Bitternes is useless. If I cut her off completely, she could end up with someone who mistreats my son, and that would haunt me forever. But her partner is a good man. Instead of jealousy, I see my son as blessed with two fathers.
“We have different parenting styles. Her partner is a pleaser; the easy-going liberal type. I’m the disciplinarian; the one who teaches resilience and perspective as a successful black man navigating the world. Together, my son gets balance. He’s one of the happiest, most grounded kids I know.”
Jim Iyke was previously married to Dana Kinduryte, a 33-year-old Lithuanian-American lawyer.
Together, they have at least one known child, their first son, Harvis Chidubem Iyke, born in 2015
In a fiery sermon that has gone viral across social media platforms, Dr. Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has launched a scathing critique against digital lending platforms, accusing them of being in a "covenant with the spirit of death" and engaging in predatory practices that push Nigerians to despair.
The renowned cleric's vehement condemnation, delivered from his pulpit in Abuja, addresses the growing national concern over the operations of these companies, often known as "loan apps".
Enenche's comments highlight a significant issue in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, where a growing number of digital loan platforms have emerged, promising quick and easy access to credit. However, these platforms have been widely criticized for their exorbitant interest rates, hidden charges, and unethical debt recovery tactics. These tactics often involve publicly shaming borrowers by sending threatening messages to their contacts and exposing their personal information. These actions, which can lead to social ostracism and mental health crises, have prompted public outcry and calls for stricter regulation.
The pastor's fiery sermon aligns with a broader societal concern about the unregulated digital lending space. Many victims have shared harrowing stories of being hounded, insulted, and even blackmailed by these companies. Dr. Enenche's use of strong spiritual language like "spirit of death" reflects the perceived gravity of the situation and suggests that the problem is not just financial but also deeply moral and spiritual. He urged his congregation and the wider public to be wary of such platforms, describing them as traps designed to ensnare people in a cycle of debt and despair.
This is not the first time Dr. Enenche has addressed financial issues from a spiritual perspective. He has previously preached about the importance of living a debt-free life, citing biblical principles and warning against the pitfalls of excessive borrowing. His sermons often focus on the theme of "supernatural provision" and "financial dominion", encouraging his followers to trust in God for their financial needs rather than resorting to practices that could lead to bondage. His recent statement on loan apps is a continuation of this message, but with a more direct and urgent warning against a specific, modern-day menace. The pastor's remarks have resonated with many who feel victimized by these companies, validating their struggles and providing a spiritual framework for understanding their plight.
