Gunmen have murdered an 85-year-old community leader and Secretary of Iyowa Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The victim, identified as Hon. Reuben Owie, was shot dead by two unidentified armed men who invaded his residence in Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City, on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
The deadly attack occurred at about 8:15pm, according to the Edo State Police Command.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the killing in a statement, saying the incident was reported by the deceased’s son, Osayomwanbo Owie.
According to the police, the younger Owie reported that his father was attacked at his residence at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road.
“One of the assailants reportedly shot the victim in the head, resulting in his death,” Ikoedem said.
Following the report, police operatives visited the scene, documented the incident and recovered the deceased’s body.
The body has since been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary.
The police command said it has launched an investigation into the killing and intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest the perpetrators.
The brutal murder of the octogenarian community leader has heightened concerns over the safety of residents in the area, as security operatives race to unravel the motive behind the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
