Across Nigeria recently, horrific stories of hotel safety breaches have shaken the nation. From missing guests to tied and lifeless bodies revealed in bedrooms, these aren’t isolated events; they’re urgent wake-up calls. One viral tweet put it bluntly:
“If you want to lodge in a Hotel in any part of Nigeria, make sure you call at least 2 people in the presence of the receptionist and mention the name of the hotel & address and make sure you pay through your ATM directly to the hotel acct.”
Let’s explore the most alarming recent cases—and how you can protect yourself or your loved ones before booking a stay.
Tragic Incidents That Shocked the Nation
Delta State Ritual Killing
In Owhelogbo village, a lodger staying to attend a funeral checked into “Century Home” hotel. Family members discovered his body — tied, brutally mutilated, and hidden in a back room used for ritual acts. Police arrested the hotelier, his wife, and a guard.
Abuja Hotel Assault
In Wuse, a 25-year-old woman arrived with a stranger. The next day, she was found tied and unconscious, mouth taped in a bathroom — a victim of violent intent. She was rescued, but the trauma remains.
Warri Guesthouse Murder
Staff entered a room to find a young woman dead, mouth gagged—presumed ritual killing. A male guest checked out earlier, leaving her behind.
Anambra Hotel Mass Graves
Udoka Golden Point Hotel, also known as La Cruise, was demolished after authorities found over 30 graves and a shrine—suggesting ritual killings and body burials on the premises
The Harrowing Reality Behind the Walls
Hotels are meant to be places of rest. But when anonymity intersects with crime—kidnapping, ritual killings, assault—they can turn into hunting grounds. Poor regulation, fake IDs, creepy strangers, and unvetted staff all contribute to the risk. These incidents—spanning Delta, Abuja, Warri, Anambra—remind everyone there’s no safe assumption about hotel security.
Smart Safety Tips Before You Book
- Confirm Hotel & Location When You Arrive
Call two trusted people in front of staff, give them the hotel’s name & address, and confirm it matches. - Use ATM or App — Not Cash
Paying via ATM to the official account ensures there’s a digital record. If you pay cash and nothing goes wrong, you at least have proof of payment. - Stick to Registered Hotels with CCTV & ID Checks
Ideally, choose hotels that require valid ID, use CCTV in hallways, and maintain a guest registry. Avoid places with poor reviews on the Google business profile or no security presence. - Never Travel Alone with Strangers to a Room
Many victims checked in with strangers. Always go with people you trust. Meeting someone first? Better to decline than risk your safety. - Inform Someone Immediately Upon Check-In
Shoot a quick message: “I’m at [hotel name], room 5A.” That small step could save your life—or help generate prompt rescue if something goes wrong. - Use Safety Tools During Your Stay
Consider using an app like NauNauSOS to:- Share your live location with trusted contacts
- Send SOS alerts instantly if you feel threatened
- Quickly add emergency contacts by scanning a QR code
It’s not paranoia—it’s precaution.
How You Can Protect Loved Ones
- Parents & Guardians: Teach your children these steps before they leave the house.
- Women Traveling Alone: Your safety is non-negotiable—go digital with safe payments and app alerts.
- Frequent Travelers: Install safety tools and create digital check-in habits.
- Community Advocates: Report unlicensed hotels and support regulation reforms—your action could save lives.
Hotel tragedy in Nigeria isn’t just about evil—it’s about preventable risk. You deserve safety in lodging. You deserve clarity in payment. You deserve empowerment when it counts.
Share this information. Save it. Bookmark it. Let the next viral tweet be:
“I was at SafeStay Hotel, Abuja. I paid via ATM and shared my location on NauNauSOS App.”
Stay safe—lodgers, travelers, and families nationwide.