A 54-year-old man has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, for allegedly setting ablaze his five step-children.
The suspect, Mr. Joseph Ojo, allegedly committed the crime over the weekend at his residence in Fagun Crescent axis of Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Council.
It was learnt that the man committed the crime on the ground that his wife, who is the mother to the children, offended him.
According to sources, the man allegedly poured petrol into the room of the children while they were fast asleep and set the kids on fire.
It was also gathered that one of the children died as a result of the fire, while the other four were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the mother of the children escaped from the fire with minor injuries with her 18-month-old twins who are the man’s biological children.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, confirmed that the suspect has been apprehended for a case of arson and murder.
The PPRO said the investigation would be carried out before charging the suspect to court.
