An 85-year-old community leader, Hon. Reuben Owie, has been killed by gunmen who invaded his residence in Iguosa, near Okhunhun, Benin City in Edo state.
Owie, the Secretary of Iyowa Community, was reportedly attacked at about 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by two unidentified assailants.
The Edo state Police Command confirmed the killing on Saturday, adding that detectives had launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend those responsible.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who confirmed the tragic incident, said the police were alerted by son of the deceased, Osayomwanbo Owie.
According to the police, the incident occurred at the victim’s residence at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City.
Ikoedem said preliminary information indicated that the attackers gained access to the residence before one of them shot the elderly community leader in the head, resulting in his death.
She said police personnel subsequently visited the scene, documented evidence and recovered the deceased’s body.
The police spokesperson added that the remains were later deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
She assured that the command was intensifying efforts to establish the identity of the suspects and bring them to justice.
Ikoedem said investigation into the killing was still ongoing, urging members of the public with useful information to assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators.
