A 28-year-old man, Olanrewaju Ogunyemi, has been gruesomely murdered by suspected cultists in the Ilasamaja area of Lagos State.

The tragic incident reportedly took place around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21.

It was gathered that a group of machete-wielding assailants believed to be cult members invaded the neighbourhood, allegedly in search of Olanrewaju’s elder brother, whose identity was yet to be confirmed as of press time.

Sources revealed that the gang initially went to the brother’s residence, but upon failing to locate him, they proceeded to a workshop on Abeokuta Street, where Olanrewaju was said to be keeping watch.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers descended on him without hesitation, unleashing machete blows that left deep gashes on various parts of his body.

“When they got to his house and didn’t meet him, they perceived he must be in his furniture shop. On getting there, they met his younger brother who was staying there and watching over the place.

“Without saying a word, they brought out machetes and started cutting him. They cut his face, his back, and his hands,” a resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said.

Another resident, also speaking anonymously, described the aftermath as horrifying, confirming that the young man died instantly.

The attackers reportedly fled before help could arrive, leaving Olanrewaju’s bloodied body behind.

“It was a gory sight. Olanrewaju usually stayed in the shop whenever his brother was not around. We got to know that they were actually looking for the elder brother. The entire community is still in shock. We’ve never seen anything this violent here,” another source said.

The deceased was buried the following day, Thursday, while his brother’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said: “Olanrewaju Ogunyemi aged 28 was killed at about 7:45 pm in his furniture shop.

“A gang of suspected cultists attacked him with machetes on his face, head, back and hand. He died on the spot.”