By: Oluwatosin Adesola
A 64year-old father, Joseph Ojo has explained why he wanted to kill all his five stepchildren whose he set ablaze last Saturday at Fagun, Ondo town.
According to the Police Spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami while parading the suspect on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police in Akure, three of the five children have already died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the incident.
During interrogation, the suspect, Joseph Ojo Aged 64 who is the stepfather of the children claimed his wife was not taking care of him because of the step children and that the wife picked up a quarrel with him because he dropped Six Hundred Naira Only (₦600,00) as feeding money for the family.
The husband also said that he became angry, siphoned petrol from his chainsaw (felling machine) and poured it in the children’s room before setting it ablaze.
The police spokesperson said, “On 5th November, 2022, a case of Arson/Murder was reported at Enu-Owa Division. The complainant stated that at about 0300hrs, he heard a cry for help from his neighbour’s step-children’s room and discovered that the room was on fire. He was however able to save four out of the five children in the room. The mother, while trying to save her children also got affected.
“Tayo Akinfolarin Aged 7 years was burnt beyond recognition while the other four children were rushed to FMC, Owo. Aanu Akinfolarin Aged 10 years died on the way to the Hospital and Tope Akinfolarin Aged 14 years died on the 8th of November, 2022, while the two other children are still receiving treatment in the Hospital.
“The twins bore to the suspect by the mother of those children are in safe condition, as they were not in the same room with their step siblings.
“The suspect will soon be charged to court,” Odunlami said.
