Chrstmas day trouble: Hoodlums invade National Theatre

Yesterday, as throngs of people celebrated
Christmas at the National Theatre, Iganmu,
Lagos , Suspected hoodlums invaded the
premises, disrupting the peace of fun seekers.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),
many people who had come to the premises to
spend the Christmas day lost their valuables
during the incident which occurred between 4.30
p.m. and 5 p.m.
The venue suddenly became chaotic as members
of the public, who had come for relaxation and
sightseeing took to their heels following the
activities of the suspected hoodlums. But the
Police at the National Theatre Post eventually
apprehended some of the suspected hoodlums.
Mr Philip Patrick, a 19-year-old student, told
NAN that he just saw people running all over
the premises of the theatre.
“I came here with my siblings to spend
the Christmas day. “We were having a
picnic sort of, and all of a sudden, we
saw people running in different
directions; we also saw a `danfo’ bus
move speedily around the complex. “No
one could really explain exactly what was
happening but we had to run for safety
first.’’
Patrick said that there were many pickpockets
around.
“There are also a lot of pickpockets
around harassing fun seekers. “One of
them took my camera but returned it
immediately when I saw his hand coming
out from my pocket. “I also saw the
same man take items from other people,’’
Patrick said.
Mrs Anabel Gbenro, a teacher, said that the
incident was terrifying.
“I have come here with my family to give
them a tour of a historic place in our
country.“The next thing we saw was
people running to different directions. “It
is annoying that hoodlums are roaming
everywhere here taking items from
innocent people who are trying to relax
their nerves. “The security should be
tighter; the police should increase their
surveillance,’’ Gbenro said.
Miss Precious Ukawuike, another fun seeker, said
that more should be done to restore the glory
of the theatre.
“We cannot even go inside the theater;
on a day like this, we cannot go inside to
see how it is. “It is sad that a lot of our
young generation, especially those living
outside Lagos do not know what the
National Theatre is. “I also think that
people with demeanor which are visibly
questionableshould be further scrutinised
by security agents to prevent them from
harassing harmless citizens,’’ Ukawuike
said.
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