‎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.