Ondo State Police Command announced on Sunday that it had arrested a man, Ojo Joseph, for allegedly lighting fire to five of his stepchildren in the Fagun area of Ondo town, Ondo State.
The 64-year-old man was believed to have performed the atrocity after an argument with his wife, the victims’ mother.
The mother was believed to have had the children for another guy before marrying the suspect.
The suspect’s marriage resulted in the birth of twins.
According to a source, the suspect poured gasoline into the children’s room while they were sleeping and lit it on fire.
One of the stepchildren perished in the fire, while the mother and four other children were injured to varied degrees.
They were claimed to be in a hospital undergoing treatment.
“Four more casualties are still undergoing treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo,” according to the source, “while their mother and the 18-month-old twins escaped with minor injuries.”
Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, the state Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the culprit was apprehended after the incident was reported to the police.
“We don’t know why the man did the deed, but we heard he had a quarrel with his wife,” she explained. He is presently in our custody, and we have initiated an inquiry. After an investigation, the culprit will be charged.”
