From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
An eight months-old-baby was among five persons burnt to death yesterday when a suspected lunatic, identified as Monday, set his family house at Budo Alaka village, Kisi, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on fire.
The incident, which occurred at 2:35am on February 19, also left two persons injured. The survivors are currently receiving treatment at Muslim Hospital, Kisi.
The survivors, it was gathered, are Mr. Samuel Daniel Ode, 24 and Miss Mariam Samuel Ode, 21. The dead victims are: Miss Blessing Samuel Ode, 3; Master Friday Samuel Ode, 8 months; Miss Mummy Ogbada, 10, Daddy Ogbada, 6 and Mrs. Ogunma Ogbada, 46.
According to a witness, the suspect had, on February 18, approached a member of the family for some money to travel to an undisclosed destination, but the request was turned down.
Angered by this, the lunatics returned in the early hour of yesterday to set the thatch house ablaze when the occupants were asleep.
The suspect reportedly escaped from the scene afterwards, but was later arrested by the police. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime, but claimed he did not know what came over him.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Oyo State command, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the incident, said the case would be transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan for further investigation.