By Ishaya Ibrahim
Shortly after exchanging words with his wife, a 64-year-old man, Ojo Joseph, allegedly set ablaze his five children.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the incident happened on Sunday, November 6 in the Fagun area of Ondo town, Ondo State.
The 64-year-old Ojo Joseph was said to have committed the act following a disagreement with his wife, who is the mother of the children.
According to reporting by Punch Newspaper, the woman was said to have had the children for another man, whom she divorced before marrying the suspect. Her marriage with Ojo Joseph, also produced a set of twins.
The newspaper quoted a source who said Ojo Joseph poured petrol into the children’s room while they were asleep and set it on fire.
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One of the stepchildren died in the fire, while the mother and the four other children sustained varying degrees of injury.
They were said to be receiving treatment in a hospital.
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.”
