Panic gripped Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, on Thursday, August 14, after a skit maker identified simply as Austin was hacked to death by suspected cultists.
Residents said the assailants stormed the area in the early hours, dragged Austin out of his apartment, and killed him with machetes. One of his hands was severed during the attack.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said: “There was commotion early Thursday morning, but we later discovered Austin’s corpse with his hand cut off. That was when we realised it was connected to the noise we heard earlier.”
Austin, a professional hairstylist and content creator, reportedly sensed danger before the incident. Another resident revealed that he had posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status two days earlier.
Videos seen by our correspondent showed his lifeless body lying where he was attacked, surrounded by sympathisers.
State police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
Earlier on August 14, Police had arrested six suspected cultists in connection with the killing of another victim, Kamoru, also known as Keeper, during a clash in Ebute Meta. The suspects, aged between 22 and 54, were arrested on July 17 during an intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Police said the group was allegedly involved in several cult clashes in Lagos communities, which also led to Kamoru’s death.