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The Nigerian military community has been thrown into mourning following the shocking death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a Regimental Medical Officer of the 6 Battalion, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in Akwa Ibom State.
The 33-year-old officer, who also served as a medical doctor, reportedly suffered severe burns after his wife, identified as Mrs. Retyit Obadiah Dalong Samson Haruna, doused him with petrol and set him on fire during an argument that spiralled out of control on September 22.
According to initial reports, the confrontation began as a verbal dispute before it turned violent, leaving neighbours alarmed by sounds of shouting and breaking objects. By the time help arrived, Haruna was engulfed in flames. Soldiers and nearby residents rushed to his aid, managing to extinguish the fire before transporting him to the Military Reference Section within the barracks.
He was later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for specialist care. Despite urgent efforts by medical personnel, the officer succumbed to his injuries a few days later, plunging the barracks into disbelief and grief.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the death in a statement released by the 2 Brigade’s Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Lawal Muhammad, describing the event as “a tragic case of domestic violence.”
“The Nigerian Army strongly condemns this act of domestic violence, recognising the imperative of peaceful coexistence and respect within families,” the statement read. “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.”
Military police have since launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation and what may have led to the fatal escalation.
Sources close to the couple told reporters that their marriage had shown signs of strain in recent weeks. Friends of the late officer revealed that Haruna had confided in some colleagues about ongoing disagreements with his wife, though no one could have imagined it would end in such tragedy.
The couple reportedly tied the knot in April 2025, only five months before the fatal incident. Friends described Haruna as quiet, disciplined, and deeply devoted to his profession. “He was a good man, very humble and always focused on his duties,” said one soldier who served under him. “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody does.”
Mrs. Haruna, who was said to be unemployed, is now in military custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether formal charges have been filed, but legal experts say the case could lead to multiple counts, including murder and arson, if the allegations are proven.
Witnesses said the confrontation might have stemmed from financial and domestic disagreements. One neighbour claimed that tension between the couple had been building for weeks, citing loud arguments that often echoed through the quarters. “They fought a lot recently,” the neighbour said. “But no one thought it would come to something this deadly.”
As news of the officer’s death spread, social media erupted with shock and anger. Many Nigerians expressed outrage over the growing number of domestic violence cases across the country, calling for stronger laws and psychological support systems for families in crisis.
Women’s rights groups and mental health advocates have also weighed in, urging the military to provide counselling and mediation services for personnel and their families living within barracks communities.
“This case is heartbreaking,” said Dr. Mercy Uduak, a family psychologist based in Uyo. “It shows that even highly trained and disciplined individuals are not immune to the emotional and psychological pressures that can lead to violence in relationships.”
The tragedy has also reignited debate about how domestic issues are handled within military environments, where rank and reputation often discourage victims or couples from seeking help. Some analysts have called for the Nigerian Army to adopt more robust support structures for its officers, including marital counselling, stress management programs, and confidential reporting mechanisms for family-related conflicts.
Back in Haruna’s home state, relatives are struggling to come to terms with his death. His younger brother described him as the “pride of the family,” saying he had worked tirelessly to build a career in the military while pursuing his passion for medicine. “He wanted to serve his country and heal people,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that this is how his story ends.”
At the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, colleagues who treated the officer reportedly broke down when he was pronounced dead. One nurse said he had fought for his life with remarkable strength. “He was conscious for a while,” she recalled softly. “He was in pain, but he kept asking if his wife was okay. That tells you the kind of heart he had.”
Funeral arrangements for Lieutenant Haruna are underway, with the Nigerian Army expected to give him full military honours. Meanwhile, calls for justice continue to grow louder as the public demands accountability and a deeper look into the roots of domestic violence in both military and civilian homes.
The death of Lieutenant Haruna, barely five months into marriage, has left an entire community asking how love could turn into such devastation—and whether this tragedy might finally force a national reckoning on the silent epidemic of domestic violence that too often ends in blood and fire.
