Gunmen kill 85-year-old Edo community leader

An 85-year-old community leader, Reuben Owie, was shot and killed by two unidentified gunmen at his residence in Edo State, Nigeria. The incident took place around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Iguosa, within the Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the killing on Saturday, stating that the report was filed by the deceased's son, Osayomwanbo Owie. According to the police report, the victim, who served as the secretary and leader of the Iyowa community, was attacked at his home located at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City. One of the assailants allegedly shot Owie in the head, resulting in his death.

Police officers visited the scene, documented the incident, and recovered the body, which has since been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. An investigation into the killing is ongoing, and authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the attack.