The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that gunmen kidnapped the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Obasi Lawson, in Azumini, Abia State.
In a Friday statement headlined “Re: Abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson: Abia State Police Command Commenced Investigation,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said that the incident occurred on March 4, 2025, at approximately 19:00 hours.
Chinaka said, “A dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying unidentified gunmen double-crossed them and opened fire on Lawson’s convoy while they were returning to Port Harcourt through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
“While the officers were repelling the attack, another set of gunmen forcefully took Chief Lawson, ordered them into their vehicle, and took him to an unknown destination, leaving his driver and one other dead.”
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, who visited the area with the DC Operations and other teams, asked citizens to be “calm and security-conscious” as heavy patrols were initiated.
He also advised the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or sightings of the dark blue Sienna vehicle to their nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency lines.
Police tactical teams have been mobilized to search the region, and police are determined to find the victim unharmed.
