A Nigerian Army officer, identified as Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has reportedly died from severe burns after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic quarrel in Akwa Ibom State.
According to sources, the tragic incident occurred over the weekend at the couple’s residence within a military barracks in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the state capital.
Eyewitnesses said the couple had been engaged in a heated argument late at night before the situation turned violent. It was alleged that the officer’s wife doused him with petrol and set him on fire after the quarrel escalated beyond control.
Neighbours and fellow officers reportedly rushed to the scene following distress calls and managed to put out the flames, but by then, the officer had sustained severe burns over most parts of his body.
Lieutenant Haruna was immediately taken to the military hospital in Uyo and later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for intensive care. However, despite efforts by medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday.
The woman, whose name has yet to be disclosed, was said to have been apprehended by military police and is currently in custody pending investigation.
Security sources told journalists that the Army has launched an internal probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the state police command has also been notified.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the military community in Akwa Ibom, with colleagues describing Lieutenant Haruna as a disciplined and promising young officer.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom State has condemned the killing of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, the Regimental Medical Officer of 6 Battalion, who passed on after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at the Willington Bassey Barracks
According to the statement, the deceased succumbed to severe burns inflicted in a domestic incident with his wife, Mrs Retyit Obadiah Dalong Samson Haruna, at their residence in Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State, on September 22, 2025.
Reliable military sources confirmed that the incident occurred barely five months after the couple’s marriage.
It stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the tragic incident occurred after a heated argument between the couple, reportedly stemming from a family crisis, which escalated when Mrs Haruna allegedly set ablaze properties in the house, and the officer was caught by the inferno.
The statement further stated that Haruna sustained severe burns, but was initially stabilised at the Battalion Medical Facility, and later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further treatment, where he unfortunately passed away early hours of Tuesday.
‘’The Nigerian Army strongly condemns this act of domestic violence, recognising the imperative of peaceful coexistence and respect within families. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Lieutenant Haruna.
‘’The Nigerian Army will continue to advocate healthy relationships, address domestic violence, and foster a culture of respect and dialogue within families and communities.
‘’The Nigerian Army is calling for all parties to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the military police investigation,” the statement read.
In a statement by its Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lawal Muhammad, in Uyo on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army condemned the officer’s killing, while also commiserating with the family over the tragic death.