Tragedy in Uniform: Nigerian Army Officer Dies After Wife Allegedly Sets Him Ablaze During Domestic Dispute in Akwa Ibom

A chilling domestic tragedy has rocked the Nigerian Army following the shocking death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a young military medical officer who reportedly died after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a heated argument at their residence in Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, has sent waves of grief and disbelief through the military community and beyond.

According to multiple reports, the late officer, identified as Lt. Haruna, served as the Regimental Medical Officer with the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army. He was described by colleagues as a calm, disciplined, and dedicated doctor who balanced his demanding military duties with compassion and professionalism. However, what began as a normal domestic disagreement between the couple allegedly spiraled into a night of horror that ended his life in the most unimaginable way.

Renowned counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, sparking public outrage and sympathy across social media. According to Makama’s post, credible military sources confirmed that Lt. Haruna’s wife, identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna, allegedly poured petrol on her husband during the altercation and set him ablaze inside their official residence. Neighbors were reportedly awakened by the officer’s cries for help as flames engulfed him, and efforts to save his life were frantic but ultimately unsuccessful.

Lt. Haruna sustained severe burns across most of his body and was immediately rushed to the Military Reference Section within the barracks for emergency treatment. However, due to the extent of his injuries, he was later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for advanced medical care. Despite the best efforts of doctors to stabilize him, the officer succumbed to his injuries a few days later, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions.

The Army authorities, according to reports, have since taken Mrs. Haruna into custody. She is currently being held for questioning as investigators try to piece together the sequence of events that led to the horrifying act. Preliminary findings suggest that the argument may have stemmed from a long-standing marital issue that escalated beyond control on that fateful day. However, official statements from military authorities have yet to be released, as investigations are ongoing.

The gruesome nature of the incident has triggered a national conversation on the growing problem of domestic violence within Nigerian homes, including among uniformed personnel. Many have expressed shock that such a tragic event could happen within the secured walls of a military barracks, a place often considered one of the safest and most disciplined environments in the country.

Social media users have flooded timelines with reactions, mourning the late officer while condemning the act in strong terms. Some have called for a deeper probe into the psychological wellbeing of military families, noting that the pressures of military life—frequent relocations, long absences, and high-stress duties—often take a toll on relationships and mental health. Others, however, have pointed out that domestic violence is a societal problem that transcends class, profession, and gender, emphasizing the need for counseling and conflict management programs for couples.

Sources within the barracks described the couple as relatively quiet and private. Neighbors reportedly recalled hearing loud arguments from their apartment on several occasions but never imagined it could end so violently. One eyewitness, who spoke under anonymity, revealed that the fire spread rapidly, and by the time help arrived, Lt. Haruna had suffered critical burns. “We tried to put out the fire with water and blankets, but it was too late. He was still conscious when we brought him out, and he kept asking us to save him,” the eyewitness said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The military community has been thrown into mourning, with tributes pouring in from fellow officers and subordinates. Many described Haruna as a rising star in the Nigerian Army Medical Corps—a man known for his kindness, discipline, and commitment to saving lives both within and outside the barracks. His death, they said, is not just a personal tragedy but a painful loss to the institution he served with pride.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has reportedly intensified internal security measures within the barracks while cooperating with the police to ensure a thorough investigation. Legal experts have also weighed in, explaining that if the allegations against Mrs. Haruna are proven true, she could face charges of murder under Nigerian criminal law, which carries a possible death sentence upon conviction.

Beyond the legal implications, the incident has reignited conversations about anger management and emotional control in relationships. Many Nigerians have taken to online platforms to urge couples to seek mediation, counseling, or separation when conflicts become unbearable instead of resorting to violence. Domestic violence advocacy groups have also used the tragedy as a call to action, demanding stronger awareness campaigns and mental health support for spouses of military personnel who often live under intense pressure.

As investigations continue, Lt. Haruna’s family is said to be devastated by the loss. Relatives from his home state are reportedly in contact with military authorities regarding funeral arrangements. For them, the news of his death came as a crushing blow—made even more painful by the shocking circumstances surrounding it.

The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has not released an official medical statement, but hospital insiders confirmed that the officer’s burns were “extensive and life-threatening,” covering more than 80 percent of his body. Despite aggressive treatment, he suffered multiple organ failure resulting from the burns and smoke inhalation.

The tragedy has drawn national attention not only because of its gruesome nature but also because it highlights the fragile state of relationships behind closed doors—even among those who serve the nation in uniform. Lt. Haruna’s death serves as a sobering reminder that domestic violence, if unchecked, can destroy families, careers, and lives in an instant.

As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians continue to watch closely, hoping that justice will be served and that lessons will be learned from this heartbreaking loss. For now, the military barracks in Akwa Ibom remains enveloped in silence and grief—a once lively officer’s quarters now reduced to memories of fire, loss, and a love story turned to ashes.

Lieutenant Samson Haruna’s death is more than just another crime story—it is a wake-up call to confront the hidden rage and pain festering behind many household walls. It is a reminder that love without understanding can become dangerous, and that sometimes, the greatest battles are not fought on the frontlines, but within the home