The Anambra State security force, Operation Udo Ga-Achi (also known as Agunechemba), has demolished the Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, commonly called “La Cruise Hotel,” located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road. Authorities revealed the hotel had been used as a hideout for kidnappers and other criminal activities.
A statement from Anambra State New Media, posted on X late Saturday, revealed disturbing findings at the hotel, including over 30 partitioned graves on the top floor of the two-story building, a shrine, live ammunition, and other incriminating items.
Security operatives explained that this operation was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
During the raid, bloodstained items and live cartridges were also recovered and handed over to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu.
In a video shared on Sunday, the operation’s leader described the scene “We found a shrine, live ammunition, and cartridges while removing a pot used for rituals. The pot, containing blood, has been handed over to the police as evidence.
” He added, “The top floor of the hotel had partitioned graves for more than 30 individuals alongside the shrine. This was where they conducted their spiritual rituals.”
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, confirmed the demolition. He explained that the action followed an investigation linking the hotel to kidnapping activities.
“The hotel was demolished because investigations showed it was a hideout for kidnappers. We discovered graves, army uniforms, live cartridges, and other evidence. The local community had often heard gunshots at night but feared to report due to threats of retaliation,” Aburime said.
He also emphasized that the newly enacted Homeland Security Law of 2025 now allows citizens and security agencies to take decisive action against criminal elements.
“We’re making significant strides in eliminating crime from Anambra State. This decisive action is already showing positive results. More buildings associated with criminal activities, such as kidnapping, robbery, and hired killings, will be demolished, and their owners will face prosecution,” he promised.
The demolition has been met with praise from local residents, who expressed relief and gratitude for the government’s efforts to tackle the long-standing security issue.
