In a tragic turn of events, gunmen have killed Confidence Chijioke, the Vice President of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Rivers State chapter. The assailants also took Obasi Lawson, the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, hostage and killed his driver, Anayo Ukwu.
The attack occurred in the Azumini community of Abia State while Chijioke and Ukwu were accompanying Lawson in his vehicle. Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele revealed that the assailants ambushed the victims’ vehicle at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
“Mazi Confidence Chijioke was a highly respected member of PETROAN, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Managing Director of Dozzman filling stations, and holding various other positions within PETROAN. His death is a significant loss, especially since he was preparing to inaugurate his latest multimillion-naira filling station in Port Harcourt,” Obele stated.
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Describing the attack as a major loss to the association, Obele noted that three police officers attached to PETROAN members during the journey managed to escape. While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, Lawson called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene and ensure a thorough investigation.
“The association is deeply concerned about the whereabouts of Chief Obasi Lawson and is requesting that the Inspector General of Police investigate the three policemen who were part of the team during the incident,” Obele added.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding efforts to track down the perpetrators.
