An Ondo-based man, identified as Jospeh Ojo, has been remanded by the State Police Command for setting his five stepchildren ablaze.
The incident, according to the Command, happened in the Fagun area of Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
The 64-year-old suspect reportedly committed the crime after he had a heated argument with his wife, who had earlier given birth to the victims in her previous marriage.
The marriage with the suspect also produced a set of twins.
Sources claimed that Ojo poured petrol in the children’s room while they were sleeping and set the room on fire.
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According to the source, one 0f the victims died in the fire attack, while the remaining four and their mother sustained different injuries and are presently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo.
The source said, “Four other victims are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while their mother and the 18-month-old twins escaped with minor injuries.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the suspect was arrested after the matter was reported to the police.
She said, “We have yet to know why the man committed the act but we heard that he had a misunderstanding with his wife. He is currently in our custody and we have begun investigation into the matter. The suspect will be charged after investigation.”