The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) deployed to the Niger Delta on Tuesday repelled an attack at a gunboat stationed behind former President Goodluck Jonathan’s residence in Otueke but lost a soldier while another was injured.
The military said that its gunboat, stationed at the creek behind the former president’s house came under attack but the soldiers repelled the attack by engaging the gunmen in a gun duel.
The gunmen, suspected to be militants, attacked the security post near Jonathan’s Otuoke countryhome at about 3.00 a.m., the military said.
A sources in Otueke, however, said Jonathan was not present at the time of the incidents.
Major Jonah Unuakhalu, the Spokesman for JTF, Operation Delta Safe, who confirmed the incident, said the military had launched a manhunt for the attackers the creeks and waterways.
“At about 3a.m. today, unknown gunmen attacked our gunboat deployed close to the house of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The vigilant troops repelled the attack, while some of the assailants escaped with gunshot wounds.
“However, during the attack, one soldier paid the supreme price and another was wounded in action.
“The wounded has been evacuated to the hospital and is responding to treatment.
“Preliminary investigation is ongoing to identify the persons or groups behind the attack.
“The people are advised to go about their lawful businesses as the security of life and property remains a priority to Operation Delta Safe, during the Yuletide and beyond,” Unuakhalu said.
Jonathan, who was in his Yenagoa residence when the incident happened, had visited the site.
