PETROAN Board of Trustees Chairman, Obasi Lawson, abducted in Abia

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Obasi Lawson, has been abducted by gunmen in the Azumini area of Abia State.

The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, revealing that the attack occurred around 7 p.m. on March 4, 2025.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, Lawson’s convoy was ambushed by assailants in a dark blue Sienna while traveling through Azumini Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area en route to Port Harcourt.

“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,” Chinaka disclosed.

Following the attack, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, visited the scene alongside senior security officials, urging residents to stay calm and vigilant.

In response, security forces have intensified patrols and deployed tactical units to track down the assailants and secure Lawson’s release. The police have also urged the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or suspicious sightings of the dark blue Sienna.