The Anambra State Government has discovered a total of 35 graves in a popular hotel used for kidnapping and sundry crimes in Oba, Idemili South local government area of the state.
The property, 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.
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 was 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.
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.
Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim disclosed that chains of graves and a shrine were discovered on the topmost floor of the two-storey Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites.
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Leading the demolition squad, Ibezim added that numerous horrific things were also found in the hotel including a shrine and live bullets among others.
He noted that the Homeland Security Law signed by the governor has energised security operations in the state, and any facility or property confirmed to be used for criminal activities, will not only be pulled down but will be taken over by the state government.
Our correspondent who was at the scene, reported that many of the rooms were in a shamble, while expended bullets were seen in some of the rooms.
According to him, the hotel has been demolished.
The demolition was carried out in collaboration with the Homeland Security Law.
Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakyi, said the state government is not in a one-off show but is battle-ready for sustained action against crime and criminality.
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.
In light of the discoveries, members of the public are urged to support the war against crime and criminality and report any activity that is unclear to them in their areas.