The Punch reported on Thursday, August 21, 2025, that tension has gripped the Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State following the gruesome murder of a well-known skit maker identified as Austin.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of August 14, 2025, leaving residents fearful and unsettled.
According to eyewitness accounts, suspected cult members invaded Austin’s residence under the cover of night. They allegedly dragged him out and launched a brutal machete attack that claimed his life in a horrific manner.
The brutality of the assault left his body disfigured, sparking widespread panic among neighbors who later rushed to the scene. His severed hand was also discovered, deepening the community’s sense of fear and sorrow.
Austin’s killing shocked Lakowe not only because of the violent nature of the attack but also because he was a popular figure in the area, known both as a hairstylist and a rising online content creator.
Reports suggest that days before his death, Austin had posted a troubling message on his WhatsApp status, hinting at concerns for his safety. This has fueled suspicion that he might have been targeted by criminal gangs.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the police response has been sluggish. Journalists who tried to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for clarification were unable to get through, as neither calls nor messages were answered.
This incident comes amid a rise in cult-related violence across Lagos. Just a week earlier, police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists linked to the killing of a young man known as Kamoru, alias “Keeper,” during violent clashes in Ebute Meta.
That case highlighted the growing threat of cult activities in local communities, and Austin’s murder now stands as another grim reminder of the deepening menace.
A resident, while recounting the discovery, said: “When we got there, we discovered that it was Austin’s corpse. We also saw his hand severed.”
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