The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.
Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.
Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:
“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.
Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”
Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.
A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.
“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.
Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.
In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.
Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.
Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.
Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.
Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.
For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.
Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.
Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.
As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.
