Former President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari and the military for their support during the Christmas eve attack by gunmen at the military checkpoint at the waterside close to the courtyard of his country home in Otueke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The attack claimed the life of one of the soldiers on guard and three of the gunmen during the exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and gunmen who came in five gunboats to seize a gunboat located 100 meters to Jonathan’s home
In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan was quoted as saying the attackers came to steal a gunboat stationed 100 meters away from the residence.
According to Eze: “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.
Jonathan on Friday took to his Facebook wall to register his appreciation: “Thank you Nigerians and all well-wishers for your solidarity and sympathy following the Christmas eve attack by unknown gunmen in my country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
I commended the Nigerian military for their gallantry in repelling the attack by engaging the assailants in a fierce gun duel that unfortunately claimed the life of a soldier.
GEJ”
