What Are Hoteliers Up To As Disturbing News Of Violence And Criminality From Some Hotels Remain Shocking? (OPINION)
By Isaac Asabor
The hospitality industry, by its very nature, should be a sanctuary; a place of rest, relaxation, and sometimes, celebration. Hotels are meant to be temporary homes away from home, offering comfort and security to travelers and guests. Yet, a disturbing trend is emerging, painting a grim picture of some establishments that have become epicenters of crime, violence, and even ritualistic activities. From murder to kidnapping, the stories are chilling, leaving one to wonder: what are hoteliers up to?
The recent upholding of the death sentence for Dr. Rahmon Adedoyin and two of his staff members in the tragic murder of Timothy Adegoke at Hilton Hotel, Ile-Ife, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within seemingly respectable establishments. A young, promising postgraduate student lost his life in the very place meant to offer him temporary lodging. This case, though high-profile, is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a deeper malaise that plagues the industry, raising serious questions about oversight, regulation, and the ethical compass of some hotel owners and operators.
The echoes of Anthony Ikechukwu Okoronkwo’s tragic fate in Owerri, back in 1996, still resonate. The innocent 11-year-old groundnut seller, lured into the now infamous Otokoto Hotel, became a victim of ritualistic murder. This horrific crime, though decades old, bears an uncanny resemblance to more recent incidents, highlighting a persistent and deeply troubling pattern. How many more innocent lives must be lost before concrete action is taken?
In fact, the recent demolition of Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites in Anambra State, after it was exposed as a kidnappers’ den, sends shivers down the spine. The discovery of mass graves, a shrine, and weapons within the hotel’s premises paints a terrifying picture of the extent to which some hotels have been compromised. This was not just a case of negligence or lax security; it was a deliberate and calculated use of a hospitality establishment for heinous criminal activities. The relief expressed by local residents underscores the fear they lived under, knowing such a den of iniquity existed in their midst. It begs the question: “How many other such establishments are operating under the guise of legitimate businesses, harboring criminals and endangering the lives of unsuspecting guests?”
Also in a similar vein, the recent incident in Abuja, where a young woman narrowly escaped being used for ritual by a suspected “Yahoo Boy” in a hotel room, adds another layer of complexity to this disturbing narrative. While this incident highlights the dangers of online encounters and the vulnerability of individuals, it also underscores the responsibility of hotels to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. The fact that the hotel staff were instrumental in rescuing the victim is commendable, but it also raises concerns about the frequency of such incidents and the potential for them to go unreported. How many similar cases have occurred without the intervention of vigilant staff or law enforcement?
These are not just isolated incidents. Numerous reports, often unreported by mainstream media, suggest a widespread problem of hotels being used for illicit activities, ranging from prostitution and drug trafficking to more violent crimes like armed robbery and even ritual killings. The hospitality industry, which should be a beacon of comfort and safety, is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for criminal enterprises.
So, what are hoteliers up to? Are they turning a blind eye to the activities happening within their premises? Are they complicit in these crimes, profiting from the illicit use of their establishments? Or are they simply failing to implement adequate security measures and background checks on their staff? The answer, in many cases, is likely a combination of these factors.
Despite the existence of the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), which was originally known and called the Hotel Management Council of Nigeria (HMCN), it is surprising that no statement as to how safety and security of clients who patronize hotels would be entrenched in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. To Nigerian hoteliers, the issue of safety and security in the sector may be inconsequential, but to others, like Journalists, officials in both private and public sector of the economy and businessmen who always travel to cover events across Nigeria, it is not inconsequential. It is a serious issue.
Given the weight of the challenge, it is germane to opine that the problem is multifaceted and requires a multi-pronged approach. First and foremost, stricter regulations and more rigorous oversight of the hospitality industry, particularly from the leadership of NHA are crucial. Not only that, the government need to make the licensing processes more stringent, with thorough background checks on hotel owners and staff. In fact, regular inspections should be conducted to ensure compliance with security protocols and ethical standards. Most importantly, hotels must be held accountable for the activities that take place within their walls.
Secondly, security measures in hotels need to be significantly enhanced. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras in all public areas, the implementation of robust access control systems, and the training of staff to identify and report suspicious activities. In a similar vein, hotels should also collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to share information and address security concerns.
Thirdly, there needs to be a change in the culture of the hospitality industry. Hotel owners and operators must prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests above all else. They need to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, where employees are encouraged to report suspicious activities without fear of reprisal.
Fourthly, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate travelers about the potential risks associated with staying in hotels and to empower them to take necessary precautions. Guests should be encouraged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the hotel management or law enforcement.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there needs to be a collective societal condemnation of these heinous acts. We cannot afford to become desensitized to the violence and criminality that are plaguing our hotels. We must demand justice for the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The stories of Timothy Adegoke, Anthony Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, and the countless other victims whose stories may never be told, serve as a wake-up call. It is time to ask tough questions and demand concrete action. What are hoteliers up to? And more importantly, what are we, as a society, going to do about it? The safety and security of our citizens depend on it.
