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New revelations have emerged about the demolished hotel in the Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The property’s owner adamantly insists that it was never a site for kidnapping or other “nefarious activities,” opposing what authorities have claimed.

Officially registered as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites but better known as La Cruise Hotel, the establishment, located along the busy Onitsha-Owerri Road, was demolished on Saturday after operatives from a newly founded state security outfit discovered over 30 graves and a shrine on the premises.

Authorities assert the hotel, allegedly operating under the guise of a legitimate establishment, came under scrutiny following a whistleblower tip-off that triggered a thorough investigation.

The atmosphere in the Oba community has been thick with tension since the shocking discoveries of 30 identified graves, a shrine, military camouflage, weapons, and ammunition within the hotel grounds.

During the demolition, security operatives revealed the location of well-partitioned graves, astonishingly situated on both the top and ground floors of the building.

A statement was published through the Anambra State New Media X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, asserting that the hotel was a known gathering place for kidnappers and other criminal activity. The statement boldly proclaimed, “Oba, Idemili South LGA! Demolition of kidnappers’ den disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, a.k.a. ‘La Cruise Hotel’, along Onitsha-Owerri Road. The hotel has well-partitioned graves of over 30 on the last floor with a shrine!”

However, when contacted by journalists on Monday, the hotel’s owner, identified solely as Udoka, vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that what were described as “graves” were in fact partitioned fish ponds.

“The hotel has never been involved in kidnapping,” he declared. “Those things you call graves were partitioned fish ponds. I bought the property from the original owner, who constructed it as such, and the top floor was converted into a fish pond before my acquisition.

“The fish pond was designed for easy oversight of the fish, which were served at the hotel’s bar for barbecues. Since I purchased the property, there have been interested parties who’ve attempted to overturn the sale; when that failed, they began to create troubles for me.”

Udoka revealed that he had no prior knowledge of the demolition and only learned of it post-destruction. “I borrowed money to purchase the hotel and have not yet repaid the loan. Had the hotel been closed and an investigation conducted, the truth would have surfaced.”

In his attempts to clear his name, he travelled to Awka on Sunday to report the incident to the police.

Describing himself as a legitimate businessman involved in motor parts, land, and real estate, he claimed that local traders could attest to his credibility.

When approached for comment, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, dismissed Udoka’s assertions. “A fish pond inside a hotel?” he queried incredulously. “Even for health regulations, does such a layout make sense? Where are the fish if it’s a pond? What is he hiding?”

Addressing fears that the demolition might deter potential investors, Mefor concluded, “My brother, it’s far better to ensure our state is free from kidnappers lurking in the shadows.”

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