The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria.
AFRIPOST had reported that the incident occurred in Azumini, Abia State, when gunmen ambushed his convoy.
In a statement released on Friday and titled “Re: Abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson: Abia State Police Command Commences Investigation,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, revealed that the attack took place on March 4, 2025, around 7:00 PM.
According to Chinaka, a dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying unidentified gunmen intercepted Lawson’s convoy while he was returning to Port Harcourt via Azumini Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The assailants opened fire, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. During the chaos, another group of armed men forcibly took Lawson, dragging him into their vehicle before fleeing to an undisclosed location. The attack left his driver and one other person dead.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, visited the crime scene alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and other security teams.
He urged the public to remain calm and vigilant while assuring them that heightened security patrols had been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Authorities have called on residents to report any suspicious activity, particularly individuals with gunshot wounds or sightings of the dark blue Sienna vehicle, to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contacts.
Meanwhile, police tactical units have been dispatched to sweep the area as efforts intensify to secure Lawson’s safe release.