A property believed to be kidmappers’ hide out officially registered as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, but popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road was demolished on Saturday after the security operatives discovered its sinister operations.
Located at Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the demolished building was discovered to have over 30 graves and shrine located underneath the structure.
According to the authorities, the building operating under the guise of a hotel was busted after a tip-off by a whistleblower and due intelligence gathered.
During the demolition, security operatives and local authorities said they made a horrifying discovery of over 30 well-partitioned graves downstairs of the structure, alongside a shrine as well as military camouflage, including arms and cartridges.
However, it could not be officially ascertained if any corpse was found from the grave or if any arrest was made at the said hotel, as the authorities had remained silent on it.
Official statement shared on the Anambra State New Media X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, indicated that the hotel, known as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also referred to as “La Cruise Hotel”, was reportedly a hub for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The statement, which added that the hotel had over 30 well-partitioned graves, read, “Oba, Idemili South LGA! Demolition of kidnappers’ den disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites AKA “La Cruise Hotel” along Onitsha-Owerri Road.
“The hotel has well-partitioned graves of over 30 on the last floor with a shrine!!”
Christian Aburime,
Press Secretary to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has also confirmed the story, saying investigation is ongoing.
He said it was the law that had been passed by the state, and no matter who the owner of the structure was, if it was linked to any issue of kidnapping or any criminality, it had to be pulled down.
“As regards if corpses were found at the discovered graves or if any arrest was made, that I cannot say for now. Investigations are still ongoing and further development shall be made known as they unfold,” he said.
Residents expressed their shock at the findings while some say
that during the operation, two suspected kidnappers were arrested along with five prostitutes in the area, following the tip-off from members of the community.
