Police confirm petroleum retailers BOT chair’s abduction in Abia

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, at about 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 scene along with the DC Operations and other teams, urged residents to remain “calm and security-conscious” as intensive patrols have been activated.

He also advised the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or sightings of the dark blue Sienna vehicle to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines.

Police tactical teams have been deployed to comb the area, with authorities expressing determination to rescue the victim unhurt.

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