Gunmen kill 85-year-old community leader in Benin

An 85-year-old community leader,  Reuben Owie, has been shot dead by  unidentified gunmen at his residence in Iguosa, near Okhunhun, Benin City.

Owie, who was the Secretary of Iyowa Community, was reportedly attacked at about 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, by two men, according to the police command in Edo.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, Public Relations Officer of the command confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Benin.

Ikoedem said the police received a report from Osayomwanbo Owie, son of the deceased,  following the attack at the victim’s residence at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City.

“On August 2, 2026, at about 2015hrs, one Osayomwanbo Owie reported that his father, Hon. Reuben Owie, 85 years old, and Secretary of Iyowa community, was attacked by two unidentified gunmen at his residence.

“One of the assailants reportedly shot the victim in the head, resulting in his death.”

The police spokesperson said officers visited the scene, documented the incident and recovered the deceased.

The body of the deceased, she said, was subsequently conveyed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Ikoedem said investigation into the incident is ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to identify and arrest the suspects.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Okhunhun axis is between the University of Benin and Oluku, on the outskirts of Benin.

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