A 54-year-old father, Mr. Ojo Joseph, was said to have run amok and set ablaze five of his stepchildren in the Fagun area of Ondo town, Ondo State, yesterday.
Metronetworknews gathered that the man alleged that his wife, who only gave birth to twins for him, has been starving him sex for months.
It learnt that the woman had the five children for another man, whom she divorced before marrying him.
A source said the suspect sprayed petrol into the children’s room while they were asleep and set it on fire.
The source added that one of the stepchildren died in the fire, while the 18-month-old twins, four other children and their mother, sustained varying degrees of injury.
He further said that they were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, where they are receiving treatment.
“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, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect was arrested after the matter was reported to the police.
“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”, she said.
She added that the suspect would soon be charged in court after a thorough investigation of the matter.
