News
Thugs Allegedly Drug, Sexually Assault 37-year-old Australian MP In Her Constituency
The 37-year-old Queensland Member of Parliament, Brittany Lauga, has told the Australian Police that she was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by some unidentified thugs.
According to Lauga, the incident happened during a night out in her constituency of Yeppoon, BBC reports.
The incident that happened to Lauga, who is also the Assistant Minister for Health has sparked protests that occurred in response to recent violence against women in Australia.
“This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us,” she said after she reported at a police station and then to hospital on 28 April.
“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take,” she said in a statement posted on social media, adding the substance had impacted her “significantly”.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed officers were investigating a sexual assault complaint regarding an incident in Yeppoon on Sunday.
Ms Lauga was reportedly contacted by other women who said they were drugged on the same evening.
“It’s not OK. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted,” she said, adding that she needed time to “physically and emotionally heal”.
READ ALSO: Customers Panic As CBN Bans Opay, Palmpay, Others’ New Accounts
However, police said no extra reports in the same area have been made, but are asking anyone with information or who has experienced something similar to contact them.
“The QPS takes all reports of drink spiking seriously and investigates reports of drink spiking on a case-by-case basis, and often in conjunction with other offences such as sexual assault,” they said.
Ms Lauga has been in parliament for nearly a decade and was first elected to the seat of Keppel in 2015.
Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon called the allegations “shocking” and “horrifying”, Australian media reported.
“Brittany is a colleague, she is a friend, she is a young woman in the Queensland parliament and these are really shocking things to read,” Ms Scanlon said.
READ ALSO: Officer Who Shot Man Dead During Fuel Queue Tumult Identified — Lagos Police
“It is unacceptable that women are disproportionately the victims of domestic, family and sexual violence. Our government is going to continue to do everything we can to protect women and stop violence from occurring.”
Australia has witnessed a spate of high-profile gender-based violence in recent weeks.
In April, an attacker stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping centre. Five of the victims were women, and the New South Wales police commissioner told Australia’s ABC News that it was “obvious” he focused on harming women.
A wave of rallies took place in response to the killings, with demonstrators calling for gender-based violence to be declared a national emergency and stricter laws put in place to stop it.
A woman has been killed on average every four days in the country so far this year.
News
Edo Postpones School Resumption Date
Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District where Governor Monday Okpebholo hails from.
The postponement of the resumption date may not be unconnected to the rising insecurity in the area, as it would be recalled that violent protest a few days ago engulfed Ekpoma, Edo Central over incessant kidnappings in the locality.
The angry protesters vandalised the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, just as shops were looted, an act the state government had condemned in strong terms.
READ ALSO:Edo Targets 2.2 Million Children For Measles, Rubella Vaccination
In a statement, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the school resumption postponement was till further notice and to enable them address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils.
According to him, “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.
“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”
News
NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.
He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.
Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.
READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara
The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.
He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”
“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”
Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”
READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara
Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.
In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”
“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”
READ ALSO:NAF Announces Two-hour Road Closure In Abuja For 10km Walk
“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”
He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.
Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.
News
Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt
The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.
In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.
“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”
The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”
READ ALSO:
Explaining the reason for the closure, LASPARK added, “The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure that our parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”
The agency also stressed that the exercise aligns with its broader mandate, noting, “This maintenance programme is part of our commitment to providing well-maintained green spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and environmental sustainability.”
LASPARK assured residents that “all parks will reopen at the end of the maintenance period.”
-
Metro5 days ago
Edo widow-lawyer Diabolically Blinded Over Contract Seeks Okpebholo’s Intervention
-
News4 days ago
Expert Identify Foods That Increase Hypertension Medication’s Effectiveness
-
Politics4 days ago
APC Leaders, Tinubu/Shettima Group Call For Wike’s Removal As FCT Minister
-
Politics3 days ago
Wike A ‘Pestilence’ On Rivers, I Resigned Because Of It – Ex-Commissioner
-
Politics3 days ago
Wike: Why Removing Fubara Will Be Difficult – Ex-Commissioner
-
Headline3 days ago
Science Discovers Why Hungry, Broke Men Prefer Bigger Breasts
-
Politics4 days ago
Why We’re Impeaching Fubara — Rivers Assembly
-
Politics4 days ago
‘We’ll Do Everything To Stop It’ – APC Rejects Fubara’s Impeachment
-
Headline4 days ago
Russia, China Afraid Of US Under My Administration — Trump
-
Business3 days ago
14 Nigerian Banks Yet To Meet CBN’s Recapitalization Deadline [FULL LIST]
