Fun seekers thronged the National Theatre, Lagos on Saturday, defying threats of hoodlums who punctured the carnival-like atmosphere when they invaded the premises and dispossessed fun seekers of their valuables on Christmas day.
Policemen at the theatre apprehended some suspected hoodlums at about 6pm on Friday after the premises had been completely deserted by scared fun seekers.
But the Theatre was once again a beehive of activities on Saturday as fun seekers thronged the premises.
Many families were seen sitting on the lawns, eating and taking photographs, while others were seen trying to get tickets to watch movies.
The whole atmosphere was filled with music blaring from loud speakers as fun seekers danced to different tunes.
Some children were seen enjoying horse rides while others were seen basking and stomping on inflatable playthings.
The venue bustled with activities as kiosk owners made brisk businesses selling beverages and peppered soups.
Adewale Rasaq, a fun seeker, told NAN it was a ritual for him and his family members to visit the theatre on boxing days.
Rasaq said: “I love the atmosphere.
“I enjoy the peace of the environment.
“I am catching my fun.
“I think I love everything here.”
Rasaq said he learnt of the invasion by hoodlums on Friday, but said he knew the situation would have been brought under control by the time he would be visiting.
Another fun seeker, Mulikat Adesokan, said the Theatre was an escape from all the hustle and bustle of the city and that a visit was always worth it.
Adesokan, however, urged the government to increase police presence around the theatre, saying activities of criminals were becoming a problem to the tourist centre.
She said: “Those hoodlums are trying to spoil this place with their criminal activities.
“The government should try and increase police presence in this area.”
Hamzat Yusuf, a horse owner, said he had made a good amount of money taking children on horse rides and allowing his horse to take photographs with visitors.
Yusuf, however, said business was better last year, blaming the problem on the downturn in the economy.
He said: “I charge N200 per horse ride and if you want to take a photograph with my horse, I charge N100.
“Business has been good, but last year was better.
“I think it is because of the problem in the economy.”
Tomi Abiodun, one of the children who patronised Yusuf, said it was the first time he would see a live horse.
Abiodun said he had fun riding a stallion and playing with other children and that he would ask his parents to bring him again in 2016.
