NEWS LEVERAGE

The Petroleum Retailer Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene in the search for Chief Obasi Lawson, the Chief Executive Officer of Sobaz Group of Companies, who was attacked in Azumini community, Abia State.

This request was made in a statement signed by Joseph Obele, the National Public Relations Officer of the association, on Thursday. The association expressed deep concern regarding the whereabouts of Chief Obasi Lawson and is asking the Inspector General of Police to investigate the three policemen who were part of the team during the incident.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, around 7 PM, when Chief Obasi Lawson’s SUV was ambushed. The attack resulted in the tragic death of his driver, Mr Anayo Ukwu, and his special assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, who was in the car with him. Meanwhile, the three policemen present during the incident escaped unharmed.

Part of the statement, “Mazi Confidence Chijioke was a highly respected member of PETROAN, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter and the Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Stations, in addition to holding various other positions within the association. His death is considered a significant loss, especially as he was preparing to commission his latest multimillion-naira filling station in Port Harcourt.

“The National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis Harry, addressed newsmen with profound sadness, offering condolences to the family of Mazi Confidence Chijioke and describing his death as “one injury too much to bear.”

“PETROAN is appealing to the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to ensure the safe rescue of Chief Obasi Lawson. The association has also extended its condolences to the family of Mazi Confidence Chijioke and the PETROAN state leadership in Rivers State, headed by Sir Francis Dimkpa.”