The Ondo state Police command has arrested a 54-year-old father, Mr Ojo Joseph for setting ablaze five of his step children at Fagun Crescent area of Ondo town in Ondo state.
It was gathered that the man alleged that his wife, who is the mother of the children, offended him over a misunderstanding.
It was further learnt that the father who was said to have poured petrol into the room of the children while asleep, set them on fire and in the process, one of them was burnt to death.
Four other victims, who sustained injuries, are currently receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Their mother, who has another 18-month-old twins escaped from the inferno with the two kids.
Another source said the man perpetrated the heinous act because the mother of the children allegedly denied him sex.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmi Odunlami said the man had been apprehended by the police for arson and murder.
Information posited that the suspect is not the biological father of the five children, but is the father of the little twins.
The PPRO said further investigation would be carried out before charging the suspect to court.
