Armed men have shot and killed Reuben Owie, the 85-year-old secretary of the Iyowa community, at his residence in Iguosa, Benin City, Edo State. The attack occurred around 8:15 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and was reported to the police by the victim's son.
Attack Details
According to the Edo State Police Command, two unidentified gunmen stormed Owie's home at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City, and opened fire. One of the assailants shot the victim in the head, resulting in his death.
The police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He said the report was brought to the attention of officers by the victim's son, Osayomwanbo Owie.
Police Response and Investigation
Police officers were deployed to the scene, where they documented the incident and retrieved the body. Owie's remains were subsequently deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
ASP Ikoedem stated that investigators are working to identify and arrest the two suspects. He said the investigation remains active and that efforts have been intensified to track down the culprits.
Context of Violence
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of attacks on community leaders in Nigeria. In a separate attack, gunmen killed a youth leader, Sunday Ogoh, in the Ugboju district of Otukpo LGA, Benue State, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The attack occurred less than 48 hours after gunmen killed 18 people in the nearby Otukpo-Nobi community.
The Otukpo LGA chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that security operatives repelled the attack and have launched a manhunt for the gunmen.
Previous Killing of Community Leader
In another related incident, an 84-year-old community leader, Ichie Michael Nwobu, was allegedly murdered in Umudioka village, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. His lifeless body was discovered by his family on Sunday, March 10, 2025, prompting aggrieved youths to swing into action. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, is yet to release an official statement regarding that incident.
