Prominent Oil Dealer Lawson Obasi Kidnapped, Police Escort and Driver Killed

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of prominent oil and gas dealer, Lawson Obasi, and the murder of his driver and a police escort.

According to a statement released on Friday, the Command was alerted on March 4 by Sergeant Judge Gubi, who reported that he, along with ASP Tanko Natip and Inspector Ernest from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Base 6, Port Harcourt, had been assigned to escort Chief Obasi to Arochukwu, Abia State.

During their return journey via Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, they were ambushed at Mkap Jekere Ndoki at approximately 7:00 PM by unknown gunmen in a dark blue Sienna vehicle.

The assailants betrayed the convoy, opening fire at around 1:00 PM, catching the security detail off guard.

While the officers attempted to repel the attack, another set of gunmen forcefully abducted Chief Obasi, dragging him into their vehicle and speeding off to an unknown destination.

His driver and one other person were shot dead during the ambush.

The Abia State Police Command has deployed tactical teams to comb the area in an effort to rescue the victim unharmed.

The crime scene has been examined, and operatives are conducting extensive searches.

Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and other tactical teams, personally visited the scene and urged residents to remain calm and security-conscious as intensive patrols have been activated.

The Police Command has urged the public to report any sighting of a dark blue Sienna vehicle or anyone with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines.