Ex-President Jonathan Explains Gunmen’s Attack On Otuoke Home

BY EDMOND ODOK – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has blamed Tuesday’s early morning attack on his country home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State on a security breach and attempted robbery by unidentified gunmen

A statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, quoted Jonathan as explaining that the attackers came to steal an Army gunboat that is stationed about 100 meters away from the residence.

The statement explained thus: “A security post stationed near the Otuoke residence of former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa State, was attacked by unknown gunmen early Tuesday 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.”

In promptly condemning the attack by the criminal elements, the ex-Nigerian President however “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”, the statement said

Reports confirmed that in the exchange of gunfire between the Nigerian Army and the unidentified gunmen, a soldier on guard duty at the courtyard lost his life while another sustained injuries during the daring attack.

According inside sources, about three of the gunmen were killed by the soldiers, who foiled their attempt to forcefully gain entry into the Jonathan’s country home.