By Ademuyiwa Balikis
A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has died from severe burns after he was allegedly set ablaze by his wife, Retyit Obadiah Haruna, during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2025, at Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of the state. Haruna, who served as the Regimental Medical Officer of the 6 Battalion, was said to have engaged in a heated quarrel with his wife before she allegedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire.
The couple, who got married on April 21, 2025, had been together for less than six months before the fatal incident.
The officer was rushed to the Military Reference Hospital within the barracks for initial treatment and later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further medical care. Despite several days of treatment, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The Nigerian Army, through the 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom State, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Sub. Lieutenant Lawal Muhammad. The Army described the death of Lieutenant Haruna as unfortunate and condemned the act in strong terms.
According to the statement, the Army extended its condolences to the family and colleagues of the late officer, assuring that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.The statement also confirmed that the suspect, Retyit Haruna, has been taken into custody for further investigation.
The Nigerian Army has called for calm among personnel and the public while urging against speculation until the outcome of the investigation is made public.
