Angry youths burn hotel after lodger’s mysterious death

DDM News

Tension escalated in Owheologbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, the unrest followed the suspected mysterious death of a guest at Century Home Hotel.

Angry youths, dissatisfied with the situation, set the hotel ablaze in protest.

The deceased, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogofotha, traveled from Lagos for a funeral.

He was in town to attend the burial of a relative before his untimely death.

The community reacted violently due to suspicions surrounding the circumstances of his demise.

The police intervened and arrested four staff members of the hotel.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s owner, Chief Joshua Oghoole, was invited for questioning.

He was interrogated by the authorities and later released without charges.

A local source, who preferred anonymity, spoke about the youth’s frustrations.

The source suggested that the release of the hotel owner angered the community members.

Many believed the police exonerated him too quickly without proper investigations.

At the time of the attack, details of the arson remained unclear.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the hotel was set on fire by an enraged mob.

He further disclosed that another hotel owned by Oghoole was also targeted earlier.

A community member defended Oghoole, claiming he was being unfairly punished.

The individual insisted that the hotel owner was not involved in Ogofotha’s death.

Before the violent reaction, local authorities had already intervened.

The chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Elder Godwin Ogorugba, had sealed the hotel.

Ogorugba addressed the public, condemning the misuse of hotel facilities for illegal activities.

He warned property owners against allowing their structures to be used for crimes.

“This hotel must remain sealed,” he declared during a public statement.

He further warned against using hotels for illicit purposes, including kidnapping.

“The law will eventually catch up with those aiding criminals,” he asserted.

Ogorugba revealed he had earlier convened a meeting with hotel proprietors.

During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of customer record-keeping.

The management of Century Home Hotel failed to attend the crucial meeting.

He expressed dissatisfaction over their absence during that critical discussion.

Authorities pledged to take decisive action against owners enabling criminal activities.

Following the attack, the remains of Ogofotha were retrieved by authorities.

His body was transferred to a morgue in Ozoro for safekeeping.

However, the specific facility where he was taken was not disclosed.

The destruction of Century Home Hotel reflects the frustration within the community.

Many residents believe unresolved deaths and lack of justice fuel such reactions.

The incident has sparked discussions on security and law enforcement effectiveness.

It has also raised concerns about the responsibilities of hotel operators.

Ensuring the safety of guests has now become a pressing issue in the region.

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