President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday put a call to former President Goodluck Jonathan to sympathize with him following an attack by gunmen on his Otuoke, Bayelsa State country residence.
In the telephone conversation, President Buhari expressed sadness over the “tragic and unfortunate attack,” during which a gallant soldier lost his life.
While commending the soldiers on guard for bravely repelling the attack, the President condoled with family members as well as officers and men of the Nigerian Army over the loss of one of the guards.
President Buhari assured that the protection of the life of the former leader and all citizens of the country will continue to be the major preoccupation of his administration.
Earlier, spokesman to President Jonathan, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, disclosed that 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 adds, “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 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.”
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condemned the attack by yet unidentified gunmen near Jonathan’s country home.
Lawan, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Ola Awoniyi, described the attack as despicable.
He said the incident defies logic and should be condemned without reservation by all right-thinking Nigerians.
The Senate President called on the relevant security agency to get to the root of the barbaric incident with a view to bringing those behind it to justice.
Lawan commended the security personnel on guard for their prompt response and bravery in foiling the dastardly intentions of the attackers and also commiserated with the family of the soldier who lost his life in the incident.