The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, was gripped by fear and sorrow on Thursday, August 14, following the brutal killing of a young skit maker known simply as Austin.
In a horrifying attack that has left residents shaken, suspected cultists stormed the area in the wee hours of the morning, targeting Austin at his residence.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants dragged him out of his room and viciously hacked him to death with machetes.
The attackers even severed his hand during the assault, adding to the gruesome nature of the incident.
Austin, a professional hairstylist and beloved skit maker, was well-known for his lively personality and comedic content, making his death even more heartbreaking for the community.
A resident, who doesn’t want to be quoted, recounted the chilling discovery, saying: “We heard commotion early Thursday morning but didn’t understand what was happening. Later, we were informed of a corpse lying in the community, and it turned out to be Austin. His hand was cut off; it was horrifying”.
Tragically, Austin appeared to have sensed the danger before the attack. According to another resident, he posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just days earlier, hinting at trouble.
“Austin was talented and had many friends in the entertainment industry. Those close to him said he seemed to know his death was near because of what he posted”, the resident shared.
A circulated video of the incident showed Austin’s lifeless body on the ground, surrounded by shocked sympathizers.
Lagos State police command is yet to issue an official statement in respect to the development.
