Gunmen have abducted Chief Obasi Lawson, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), in Azumini, Abia State. The attackers also killed his driver and one other person during the ambush.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, revealing that the kidnapping took place on March 4, 2025, at around 7 PM.
According to the police, Lawson was on his way back to Port Harcourt when armed men in a dark blue Sienna vehicle intercepted his convoy in Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
“While the officers were repelling the attack, another set of gunmen forcefully took Chief Lawson, ordered him into their vehicle, and took him to an unknown destination, leaving his driver and one other person dead,” said the state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka.
Also Read:
- Pastor, Two Others Arrested Over Alleged Murder of LASU Graduate
- Gov. Soludo Bans Loud Preaching in Anambra Markets
Police Launch Manhunt for Kidnappers
Following the abduction, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, visited the scene with the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and other security teams. He urged residents to stay calm and vigilant.
“We have intensified patrols across the area to track down the assailants and ensure the safe rescue of Chief Lawson,” Isa said.
He added that tactical police teams had been deployed to comb the region and locate the kidnappers.
Appeal for Public Assistance
The police have called on the public to report any suspicious activity that could help in locating Chief Lawson.
“We are asking residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or any sightings of the dark blue Sienna vehicle to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines,” Chinaka stated.
Security agencies are working closely to ensure that Chief Lawson is rescued safely and that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.