The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Obasi Lawson, by gunmen in Azumini, Abia State.
In a Friday statement titled “Re: Abduction Of Chief Obasi Lawson: Abia State Police Command Commenced Investigation,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed that the incident occurred on March 4, 2025.
According to Chinaka, a dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying gunmen double-crossed Lawson’s convoy and opened fire on them while they were returning to Port Harcourt through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
He said 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, Danladi Isa, who visited the scene along with the DC Operations and other teams, urged residents to remain “calm and security-conscious” as intensive patrols have been activated.
