The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, who confirmed the incident, said two hoteliers had already been arrested in connection with the crime.

According to Okanlawon, information about the incident was received by the police around 11:00 am on Saturday. He explained that the baby was burnt at Lemomu Street, Ekotedo Iyaolobe area of the city.

The Police spokesman said the two male suspects, who were arrested worked with a hotel in the area thereby fuelling suspicion that the baby might have been born by a commercial sex worker.

Ekotedo, a community near the Dugbe Central Business District, is home to many sex workers.

Okanlawon said the command had launched an investigation into the incident and promised that those behind the cruel action would soon be unmasked and be made to face the law.

He said, “A case of suspected murder is in our hands. Our men in Mokola were informed around 11:00am that a newborn baby was set ablaze by unknown persons at Lemomu Street in Ekotedo Iya Olobe area.

“We have arrested two men in connection with the incident. An investigation has also been launched into the criminal act and we believe the people behind the act would soon be tracked down.”

Punch