Gunmen have attacked a security post within the country home of former President Goodluck Jonathan at Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa state.
A source confirmed the attack to TheCable.
He said the security post is located just 100 metres to the residence of Jonathan.
He said the gunmen made an attempt to snatch a gunboat around the area near a creek.
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He said soldiers stationed around the residence of the former president repelled the intruders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan’s spokesman, said a soldier was killed in the attack.
He also said the former president was not at his residence at the time of the onslaught.
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”A security post stationed near the Otuoke residence of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Bayelsa State was attacked by unknown gunmen early Tuesday morning,” he said.
”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.
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”Dr. Jonathan promptly condemned the attack and reassured his people that there was no cause for alarm. The former President has also condoled with the family of the deceased soldier, the military and has urged the concerned security authorities to swing into action and bring the culprits to book.”
Jonathan was rumoured to have supported David Lyon, candidate of the APC, against Seriake Dickson’s anointed, Douye Diri, in the last governorship election in the state.
It is not certain if this attack has a political bent. But there has been heightened tension in the state since the election.
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