Hoodlums mar turnout at art centre again

Some food vendors at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos state, on Sunday alleged that activities of hoodlums have marred turnout of fun seekers at the place.

The vendors operating in the premises told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the activities of the urchins on Christmas day had reduced turnout drastically.

The vendors and other business operators in the theatre urged fun seekers to visit the theatre as usual, saying that security had improved and that no criminality would be condoned.

They also appealed to relevant authorities to provide adequate security in the theatre during all festive periods.

``Even with the presence of a police post within the theatre, hoodlums still operated unabated," she said.

Another vendor, simply identified as Mama Biliki, told NAN in Yoruba language that the low turnout since the Christmas day was due to the criminality experienced.

According to her, this has tarnished the image of the theatre, which is a go to destination for fun seekers.

``The theatre has never experienced such a tremendous amount of criminality in past years.

``This may be due to bad economy, but that is still not an excuse for youths to engage in anything illegal.

``As you can see, even though there are people here, it can't be compared to the turnout we usually have, especially during festive periods," she said.

Ms Oluchi Ambrose, a fun seeker who came with family and friends, said she was surprised at the low turnout at the theatre.

According to her, the theatre has always been their destination for family outing during festive periods.

``I did not visit the theatre on Christmas day so I am oblivious to what happened, but I'm taken aback by the low turnout and cautious in the event of a repeat," she said.

A staff of theatre, who pleaded anonymity, said he heard about the incident but could not confirm it.