Tragedy struck in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Council of Ondo State, yesterday, as a man suspected to be mentally challenged, killed three children.

The suspect allegedly hacked the victims to death with a machete inside their residence in the community and fled the scene thereafter.

The victims include the suspect’s son and two extended family members, including a female member preparing for tertiary education.

A resident of the community, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as horrifying and stated that everyone had yet to come to terms with the reason the suspect committed the crime.

The unfortunate occurrence left the entire community in deep sorrow.

“The victims include a female student and two young boys. One of them is the attacker’s son, while the others are members of the extended family. It is a devastating loss,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the suspect had been apprehended and would soon be arraigned.

Jimoh also mentioned that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in the community.

He said: “The suspect has been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”