The Edo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of an 85-year-old man at Iguosa, in Benin City.
The victim, identified as Hon. Reuben Owie, was reportedly attacked inside his residence on August 2, with the police saying two unidentified gunmen were involved in the incident.
Owie was the Secretary of Iyowa Community and lived at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City.
According to the police, the elderly community leader was attacked at about 8:15 p.m. while at his residence. One of the assailants allegedly shot him in the head during the attack.
The bullet wound reportedly proved fatal, leaving Owie dead at the scene.
The incident was brought to the attention of the police by the deceased’s son, Osayomwanbo Owie, who reported the attack to the authorities.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the development on Saturday, August 8, 2026, through its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, while speaking with journalists in Benin.
Ikoedem explained that the information supplied by the victim’s son indicated that two unknown gunmen had attacked his 85-year-old father.
“One of the assailants reportedly shot the victim in the head, resulting in his d3ath,” she said.
Following the report, police operatives were sent to the address where the incident occurred to commence preliminary investigations.
The officers reportedly examined the location, documented the scene and recovered relevant evidence that could assist investigators in piecing together the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The command has not disclosed the identities of the attackers or established a motive for the shooting.
However, the police spokesperson said officers were making efforts to identify the suspects and apprehend them.
She added that the investigation was still ongoing, indicating that detectives were pursuing available leads in an attempt to unravel the circumstances behind the fatal attack.
The killing has brought renewed attention to the security of residents in the area, particularly following the reported attack on an elderly community figure within his own residence.
Owie was not described by the police as having any known dispute with the attackers, and no official explanation has so far been given for why he was targeted.
The absence of an identified motive means investigators will have to examine different aspects of the incident as they work to determine what may have led to the shooting.
The police are also expected to rely on information obtained from the deceased’s family and other relevant sources as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, Owie’s remains have been transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), according to the police.
The transfer was made after officers completed their initial activities at the scene.
As of the latest update from the command, no arrest had been announced in connection with the killing.
The police have, however, maintained that efforts are being intensified to locate and arrest the individuals responsible.
The incident occurred on August 2, but details of the killing became public after the victim’s son reported the matter and the police commenced their investigation.
Authorities are yet to disclose whether the assailants escaped alone or had other accomplices.
For now, the identities of the two gunmen, their motive and the circumstances that preceded the attack remain subjects of police investigation.
The Edo State Police Command has therefore continued its efforts to gather evidence and information that could lead to the suspects and ultimately establish what happened to the 85-year-old community leader.
The killing of Owie has left questions surrounding the motive for the attack unanswered, while his family and members of Iyowa Community await further developments from the police investigation.
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