A palpable tension has gripped Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the discovery of over 30 graves and a shrine in a popular hotel, Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as La Cruise Hotel. The hotel, located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, was demolished on Saturday by the state’s security outfit after a tip-off by a whistleblower and intelligence gathering ¹.
The demolition exercise uncovered a horrifying sight of over 30 well-partitioned graves downstairs, alongside a shrine, military camouflage, arms, and cartridges. However, it is unclear if any corpses were found in the graves or if any arrests were made. The authorities have remained tight-lipped on the matter.
The Special Adviser to the state governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, declined to comment on the development, directing inquiries to the Press Secretary to the governor. The Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, confirmed that the hotel was demolished under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which mandates the destruction of any structure linked to kidnapping or criminal activities.
Aburime stated that the raid on the hotel followed credible information from concerned members of the public about suspicious activities. He added that investigations are ongoing and further developments would be communicated in due course.
The discovery has sparked mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing outrage and calling for swift action to investigate other suspicious buildings. Others have questioned the thoroughness of the investigation prior to the demolition.
A resident who witnessed the demolition described the scene as “beyond comprehension,” while another resident claimed that the structures found were actually partitioning for fish ponds.
The Anambra State Police Command has distanced itself from the incident, with its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stating that they had no brief on the matter.
In a related development, the Agunechemba Security Squad raided a kidnappers’ hideout in a brothel at Akwu-Ukwu Oba, arresting two suspected kidnappers and five prostitutes. The building was demolished under the Anambra State Agunechemba Security Laws.
The recent discoveries have raised concerns about the prevalence of criminal activities in the state, with residents calling for increased vigilance and swift action from the authorities.
As investigations continue, the people of Anambra State await further developments and reassurances that their safety and security are being prioritized.
