Nigerian Army Officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, Dies After Wife Sets Him Ablaze in Akwa Ibom Barracks
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria – Tragedy has struck the Nigerian Army as Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a young medical doctor serving as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) of the 6 Battalion, Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, died after his wife allegedly set him ablaze following a heated argument.
The shocking domestic incident occurred on September 22, 2025, barely five months after the couple’s wedding, according to reports from Premium Times and Sahara Reporters.
Sources within the barracks revealed that an argument between Lt. Haruna and his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, escalated into violence.
The suspect allegedly poured petrol (PMS) on her husband and set him on fire, leaving him with severe burns.
Lt. Haruna was immediately rushed to the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks for emergency stabilization before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for advanced medical care.
Sadly, despite doctors’ best efforts, the officer succumbed to his injuries days later.
The incident has thrown the military community in Akwa Ibom into mourning.
Mrs. Haruna has since been arrested and detained while investigations continue by the military police and state authorities to determine the cause and full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Early reports suggest that marital disputes and possible infidelity allegations might have contributed to the fatal altercation, though officials have not confirmed this.
Military sources have described the late officer as a dedicated and disciplined doctor, expressing shock and sadness over his death.
The Nigerian Army has reportedly assured that justice will be served, emphasizing its zero tolerance for domestic violence and criminal acts within its ranks.
The story has generated intense discussions on social media, with Nigerians expressing grief and calling for stronger awareness about domestic violence in marriages, particularly among security personnel.
Many have urged the military to introduce psychological counseling and marriage support programs to prevent future tragedies.
