The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Lawson Obasi, a major oil and gas dealer, and the killing of his driver and a police escort.
In a statement on Friday, the Command reported that it received a report from Sergeant Judge Gubi on March 4, stating that ASP Tanko Natip, Inspector Ernest, and himself, from the Special Protection Unit, SPU, Base 6, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were assigned as escorts to Chief Obasi Lawson and had traveled to Arochukwu, Abia State.
According to the report, at about 13:00 hours, while returning to Port Harcourt through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia, they were ambushed at Mkap Jekere Ndoki around 19:00 hours by unidentified gunmen in a dark blue Sienna vehicle, who double-crossed them and opened fire.
The statement read in part: “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 person dead.
“Tactical teams were immediately drafted to the scene, and the area is presently being combed with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt. The crime scene has been visited, and police operatives are conducting thorough searches in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, immediately visited the area in the company of the DC Operations and other teams. He urged residents to remain calm and security-conscious as intensive patrols have been activated in the area.”
The commissioner also advised the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or any dark blue Sienna vehicle to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines.
