Abia Police Confirm Abduction of Billionaire Businessman and Killing of His Two Aides
The recent news surrounding the abduction of billionaire businessman Chief Obasi Lawson and the tragic killing of his two aides has shaken both the local community and the nation at large. The Abia State Police Command confirmed the occurrence of this violent crime, which took place on the evening of March 4, 2025, in Azumini, a community in Abia State, Nigeria. The incident, which led to the abduction of the businessman and the killing of his driver and special assistant, has raised significant concerns about security in the region and the country at large. This article provides a detailed look at the event and its aftermath, as confirmed by both police reports and statements from concerned parties.
According to reports, the ambush occurred on the evening of March 4, 2025, at approximately 7 pm. Chief Obasi Lawson, who is the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the owner of SOBAZ Oil and Gas, was traveling in his SUV. He was accompanied by his driver, Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke. The trio was on their way to Arochukwu, in Abia State, but while returning to Port Harcourt via Azumini Ndoki, they encountered a horrific ambush.
A dark blue Toyota Sienna vehicle, driven by unknown assailants, double-crossed their vehicle and opened fire. In the chaos that followed, the assailants were able to overpower the security detail assigned to Chief Obasi Lawson. While his two aides, Anayo Ukwu and Mazi Confidence Chijioke, were tragically killed during the ambush, the three police officers who were escorting him were able to escape. However, Chief Lawson was forcibly taken by the gunmen, who ordered the officers into their vehicle and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
Anayo Ukwu, the driver of Chief Obasi Lawson, and Mazi Confidence Chijioke, his Special Assistant, were the two victims who lost their lives in the ambush. Chijioke was a well-respected member of PETROAN, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter and the Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Stations, one of the leading stations in the region. His leadership within the association and his extensive role in the petroleum industry had made him a well-known figure.
The loss of Chijioke has deeply affected the petroleum association, with fellow members mourning his passing. PETROAN National Publicity Secretary Joseph Obele, in a statement issued on March 5, 2025, expressed deep concern over the incident. He highlighted Chijioke’s important role in the association and his respect within the community, calling on the authorities to launch a full investigation into the matter.
The two victims were described as pillars of their respective communities and professionals who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The association’s sorrow was compounded by the senselessness of their deaths, which have raised questions about the security of high-profile individuals in the country.
The Abia State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson. The spokesperson for the command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that a report was received from Sergeant Judge Gubi, who was among the police officers escorting Lawson. According to the report, the officers had traveled from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 6, Port Harcourt, in Rivers State, and had been accompanying Lawson during his journey through Azumini Ndoki.
Upon reaching the area around 7 pm, the convoy was ambushed by the gunmen, who had carefully orchestrated the attack. The officers returned fire, but the attackers were able to overpower them and successfully abducted Chief Lawson. The two aides were left dead at the scene.
In the aftermath of the attack, tactical teams were immediately deployed to the area. The police combed the region for any signs of the kidnappers or their vehicle, a dark blue Sienna. The search has been described as ongoing, with the authorities remaining vigilant in their efforts to locate and rescue Chief Lawson.
The Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, visited the area to assess the situation firsthand. Accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and other senior officers, CP Isa assured the public that intensive patrols had been initiated in the area, with the goal of ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further crimes. Residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
This attack is not the first instance of violent crime targeting prominent individuals in Nigeria, and it highlights the growing concern about the security situation in the country. In particular, the abduction of high-profile figures, such as Chief Obasi Lawson, has become a serious issue that requires immediate attention from both the police and other government agencies.
PETROAN, the association to which both the victim and his aides belonged, has called for a full investigation into the incident. In particular, the organization has requested that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, look into the involvement of the three police officers who were part of the convoy during the attack. The association has raised concerns about the security protocols for high-profile individuals, as well as the general safety of citizens who face similar risks.
PETROAN’s statement on March 5, 2025, called for more stringent measures to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, especially in light of the growing trend of abductions. They also called for greater transparency in the ongoing investigation and for a swift resolution to the crisis. The association hopes that justice will be served for the two lives lost in the ambush and that Chief Lawson will be safely returned to his family.
The Abia State Police Command has issued a public alert urging residents of the region to remain alert and report any individuals with gunshot wounds or any sightings of a dark blue Sienna vehicle. The police have set up emergency lines to make it easier for people to contact them with relevant information. The emergency contact numbers are: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, and 08079210006.
The police have also reminded the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity in their communities, as this will help in identifying and apprehending the criminals involved in the attack. CP Danladi Isa has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating crime and maintaining public safety.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the community in Abia State, as well as the broader business community in Nigeria. Chief Obasi Lawson, as a prominent businessman in the oil and gas sector, is well known in the industry. His abduction is a reminder of the increasing threats faced by businessmen, politicians, and other high-profile individuals in Nigeria. The attack also highlights the vulnerabilities that exist in certain regions of the country, where criminal gangs operate with impunity.
In addition to the loss of life, this event has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s security forces in preventing and responding to such crimes. Many Nigerians have expressed their frustration with the inability of law enforcement agencies to curb the rise of kidnappings, assassinations, and other violent crimes. The public is calling for a more proactive approach to addressing the issue, with more resources dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens, not just those in positions of power or influence.
The abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson and the subsequent killing of his two aides is a tragic and alarming incident that has highlighted serious security concerns in Nigeria. The police have launched an investigation into the crime, but questions remain about the effectiveness of security measures in protecting high-profile individuals and the public at large. PETROAN, as well as the families of the victims, are calling for justice and a swift resolution to the matter.
The Abia State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and rescue Chief Lawson, but the incident has raised important questions about the state of security in Nigeria and the growing threat posed by criminal elements. As the investigation continues, the nation watches, hoping for a resolution and hoping that similar crimes will be prevented in the future.
Source: LIB
