PETROAN Calls for Urgent Police Intervention as Chairman Obasi Lawson is Abducted in Abia
The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene in the urgent search and rescue operation for Chief Obasi Lawson, the Chairman of PETROAN's Board of Trustees (BoT) and CEO of Sobaz Group of Companies, who was abducted on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred around 7 PM in Azumini, Abia State, when gunmen ambushed Chief Lawson's SUV, leading to the murder of his driver, Mr. Anayo Ukwu, and his special assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke.
According to Joseph Obele, a senior PETROAN official, Chief Lawson was traveling with three police escorts, all of whom escaped unharmed, raising questions about the circumstances of the attack.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at around 7 PM when Chief Obasi Lawson's SUV was ambushed, resulting in the tragic deaths of his driver, Mr. Anayo Ukwu, and his special assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, while the three policemen with them managed to escape,Obele stated.
The whereabouts of Chief Lawson remain unknown, intensifying concerns within PETROAN and the larger business community.
The attack also claimed the life of Mazi Confidence Chijioke, a highly respected member of PETROAN, who served as:
Vice Chairman of PETROAN's Rivers State Chapter
Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Stations
Key investor in the petroleum sector
Chijioke's death is being described as a devastating blow to PETROAN and the Rivers State business community, particularly as he was set to commission a multimillion-naira filling station in Port Harcourt before his untimely death.
Speaking on the tragic incident, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN National President, expressed his deep sorrow, stating:
"This is an injury too much to bear. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Mazi Confidence Chijioke, PETROAN Rivers leadership, and the entire petroleum retail sector."
PETROAN has called for an urgent investigation into the attack, particularly regarding the three police officers who were traveling with Lawson but managed to escape unharmed.
The association has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to locate and rescue Chief Obasi Lawson.
PETROAN is appealing to the Inspector General of Police to take swift action to ensure the safe rescue of Chief Obasi Lawson,Obele reiterated.
Additionally, the association extended its condolences to the family of Mazi Confidence Chijioke, the PETROAN leadership in Rivers State, and its chairman, Francis Dimkpa.
This incident has raised fresh concerns about security challenges in Abia and Rivers States, particularly regarding high-profile kidnappings and attacks on business leaders. PETROAN and other industry stakeholders are calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in combating organized crime in the region.
As the search for Chief Obasi Lawson continues, the petroleum retail sector, business leaders, and the general public await swift action from security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attacks on industry figures.
