The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, was thrown into shock on Thursday, August 14, after a popular skit maker and hairstylist, known simply as Austin, was found dead with machete-inflicted injuries. Residents reported that suspected cultists had stormed the area in the early hours of the morning searching for the young entertainer. Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him from his room and hacked him to death on the spot, leaving a trail of terror in their wake.
Neighbors described the attack as horrific, revealing that the assailants also severed Austin’s hand during the assault. One resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, recounted that a commotion early in the morning went unnoticed until the discovery of Austin’s body later that day. “When we got to the scene, we saw his lifeless body and the severed hand. That’s when we understood it was linked to the noise we heard earlier,” the resident said.
Sources close to Austin revealed that he had a sense of impending danger days before his death. Reports indicate that the young entertainer posted a cryptic farewell message on his social media account two days prior to the attack, hinting at the threat to his life. “Austin was a talented hairstylist and a creative skit maker with a network in the entertainment industry. Those who knew him believed he anticipated his death because of a post he made the day before,” a neighbor disclosed.
Video footage sent to our correspondent showed Austin’s lifeless body lying where he was attacked, with a few sympathizers gathered around. Attempts to reach Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered at the time of reporting.
This incident comes shortly after the Lagos State Police Command announced the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the killing of Kamoru, also known as Keeper, during a violent clash in Ebute Meta. The suspects—Raphael Ashim, 30; Wasiu Kareem, 33; Sadiq Olabisi, 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, 54; and Ibrahim Oladimeji, 22—were apprehended on July 17, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation by detectives from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Surulere. Authorities allege that the suspects were involved in multiple cult-related clashes across Lakowe and neighboring areas, including the death of 30-year-old Kamoru.
The brutal murder of Austin has sparked outrage among residents and highlights the persistent danger of cult-related violence in Lagos communities. Security experts stress the need for stronger policing and community vigilance to prevent such attacks, while local residents continue to mourn the loss of a talented young entertainer whose life was cut tragically short.