A popular skit maker and hairstylist, known simply as Austin, was hacked to death by suspected cultists at Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State
The attack happened in the early hours of Thursday, August 14. Witnesses said the assailants stormed his residence, dragged him out, and killed him with machetes.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told our reporter, “There was some sort of commotion early Thursday morning, but no one knew what it was. It wasn’t until later in the morning that we were told someone’s corpse was lying somewhere around the community. When we got there, we discovered that it was Austin’s corpse. We also saw his hand severed. That was when we realised it was connected to the noise we heard early in the morning.”
Another resident revealed that Austin had sensed danger and even posted a disturbing message on his WhatsApp status two days before the attack. “Austin was a popular hairstylist and very good at it. He was also a skit maker and had some entertainers as friends. Those close to him said he knew he was going to die due to a post on his WhatsApp status the day before,” the resident said.
A video obtained by our correspondent showed Austin’s lifeless body on the floor, with sympathisers gathered around the scene of the attack.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered, and text messages were not returned.
The incident has sparked fresh fears among residents, especially after recent cult-related violence in Lagos. Earlier in August, six suspected cultists were arrested in connection with the killing of one Kamoru, also known as Keeper, during a clash in Ebute Meta. According to the police, the suspects — Raphael Ashim, 30; Wasiu Kareem, 33; Sadiq Olabisi, 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, 54; and Ibrahim Oladimeji, 22 — were picked up during an intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Surulere.
The police said those arrested were allegedly part of violent clashes that had led to multiple deaths across Lagos communities.
