A Nigerian army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has died after sustaining severe burns when his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Haruna, who served as a medical doctor attached to the 6th Battalion Regimental Medical Officer (RMO), reportedly had a heated altercation with his wife, Retyit Obadiah Dalong (Mrs. Samson Haruna), before the tragic incident occurred on September 22, 2025.
According to sources within the barracks, the disagreement escalated when the wife allegedly doused her husband with petrol (PMS) and set him on fire. The officer sustained severe burns over a large portion of his body.
He was initially treated at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks, where he was stabilized before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for advanced medical care. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Lieutenant Haruna succumbed to his injuries days later.
The couple, who got married on April 21, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, had been married for less than six months before the fatal incident occurred.
Military authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the wife, Retyit Obadiah Dalong, is currently in custody pending further inquiries.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement regarding the death of the officer at the time of this report.
This tragic event adds to the growing cases of domestic violence across Nigeria, highlighting the need for stronger interventions and mental health support within military families.
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