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

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

Eno Ikoedem, the spokeswoman of the police command confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Benin.

Ms Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, 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.

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“On 2 August 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,” Ms Ikoedem said in a statement.

The spokeswoman said officers visited the scene, documented the incident and recovered the remains of the slain man.

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

Ms 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 the Okhunhun axis is between the University of Benin and Oluku, on the outskirts of Benin.