The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic after a young skit maker and hairstylist, identified simply as Austin, was gruesomely murdered by suspected cultists. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, leaving residents in fear and shock.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the community at dawn in search of Austin. Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death with machetes. One resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, revealed that Austin’s hand was severed during the attack. “There was noise that morning, but we didn’t know what it was until later when we saw his corpse lying in the community with his hand cut off,” the resident recounted.
Reports suggest that Austin had sensed danger prior to the attack. According to neighbours, the deceased had posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status two days earlier, hinting at his possible death. A resident explained, “He was a popular hairstylist and also made comedy skits. Those close to him said he seemed aware of the attack because of the message he shared on Tuesday.”
Videos circulating after the incident showed Austin’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood as sympathisers gathered around in disbelief. His killing has deepened fears of cult-related violence in the area, which has witnessed a string of deadly clashes in recent weeks.
When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached as calls and text messages went unanswered at the time of filing this report. However, the development comes days after the command confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists linked to violent clashes in Ebute Meta that claimed the life of a 30-year-old man, identified as Kamoru, also known as Keeper.
