OTUOKE – Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday morning returned to his village, Otuoke, Bayelsa State and confirmed that there was an attack on a security post stationed near his residence.
Sundiata Post learnt that the attack happened very early in the morning and claimed the life of one soldier leaving another one injured.
In a response to Sundiata Post inquiry, Ikechukwu Eze, spokesman to Jonathan, said:
“A security post stationed near the Otuoke residence of the former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Bayelsa State was attacked by unknown gunmen early this morning.
“The hoodlums who came in about five engine boats stormed the security post located about 100 metres away from former President Jonathan’s residence in his hometown Otuoke by 1:30 am on Tuesday and attempted to take away a gunboat belonging to the military stationed at the creek beside the residence. They were however resisted by gallant soldiers who engaged them in a fire fight.
“The gunmen who couldn’t stand the firepower of the military were forced to beat a retreat. One soldier, unfortunately, lost his life in the fight while another was injured. The injured soldier who is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Yenagoa is in a stable state.
“The former President who was not in Otuoke at the time of the attack, however, returned to his village early this morning to assess the situation.
“Dr. Jonathan promptly condemned the attack and reassured his people that there was no cause for alarm. The former President has also condoled with family of the deceased soldier, the military and has urged the concerned security authorities to swing into action and bring the culprits to book.”
Sundiata Post learnt that all roads in Otuoke/Otuaba are currently blocked by military personnel, with the movement of residents restricted.
