A tragic incident has shaken the Nigerian Army and the wider public following the death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a young military medical officer who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute at their residence in Akwa Ibom State.
Newsonspot gathered that the shocking event reportedly occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, sending waves of grief through the military community.
According to reports, Lt. Haruna – who served as the Regimental Medical Officer with the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army – was well respected for his discipline, professionalism, and compassion. Sadly, what began as a heated argument between the couple allegedly escalated into a horrifying act of violence.
Renowned security analyst Zagazola Makama first broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Mrs. Haruna allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him ablaze during the altercation. Neighbours, awakened by the officer’s desperate cries for help, rushed to the scene but were unable to save him before the fire caused fatal injuries.
Lt. Haruna was initially treated at the Military Reference Section within the barracks and later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to severe burns covering over 80 percent of his body.
The Army authorities have reportedly detained Mrs. Haruna for questioning as investigations continue. Early findings suggest that the dispute may have stemmed from unresolved marital issues.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed discussions on domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly among military families. Many Nigerians have called for counseling, anger management programs, and emotional support systems for couples living under the pressures of military life.
Witnesses described the couple as quiet and private, noting they had heard arguments in the past but never imagined such a violent outcome.
“We tried to save him, but it was too late,” one neighbour said tearfully.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends who described Lt. Haruna as a rising star in the Nigerian Army Medical Corps – a man dedicated to saving lives but whose own was tragically cut short.
Legal experts say that if proven guilty, Mrs. Haruna could face a murder charge under Nigerian law, which carries the death penalty.
Beyond the legal and emotional aftermath, Lt. Haruna’s death serves as a painful reminder that domestic violence knows no boundaries, and that unresolved anger within relationships can have devastating consequences.
As investigations continue, the military barracks in Akwa Ibom remain shrouded in mourning – a once vibrant officer’s quarters now marked by grief, loss, and a haunting reminder of love gone wrong.
