Three employees of local government councils in Osun State were arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing official items from their respective secretariats.

The arrests occurred at the Boluwaduro and Egbedore Local Government secretariats shortly after workers resumed duties following the suspension of an industrial action.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on behalf of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Barrister Adegoke Ogunsola, Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, said two workers were apprehended at Boluwaduro, while another was arrested at Egbedore.

Ogunsola stated that the suspects were allegedly caught after forcing open offices and attempting to remove documents and other council property.

“As you are aware, workers under the NULGE platform resumed work today, and unfortunately, incidents were recorded in Boluwaduro and Egbedore Local Government secretariats,” he said.

“In Boluwaduro, two persons were arrested, while one person was apprehended in Egbedore. They were allegedly caught after breaking into offices and attempting to cart away documents. They have since been handed over to the police for further investigation,” Ogunsola added.

However, the Osun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Christopher Arapasopo, condemned the arrests, describing them as acts of intimidation and harassment against local government workers.

Speaking at a public event in Osogbo, Arapasopo accused politicians of using security agencies to target workers and warned that labour unions would take action if the harassment continues.

“We have seen videos and photographs showing our members being humiliated and forced to kneel. We strongly condemn this behaviour,” he said, criticizing the police for their alleged involvement.

He called for the immediate release of those arrested and emphasized that the police should not be used to carry out illegal actions. “Any attempt to intimidate workers at the local government level will be resisted through lawful means,” Arapasopo warned.

He further urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate political tensions in the state, stressing that labour unions would continue to defend the rights and dignity of their members while maintaining peace and order.