Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – October 8, 2025 – In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian military community, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a dedicated army officer and medical doctor, has tragically died from severe burns after his wife allegedly doused him with petrol and set him on fire during a fierce argument at Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area.
The altercation, which reportedly unfolded on September 22, 2025, escalated rapidly into a nightmare of violence, leaving Haruna fighting for his life. Eyewitness accounts and sources close to the matter describe how the couple’s ongoing marital tensions boiled over into this fatal confrontation. Haruna, who served as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) for the 6 Battalion, was immediately rushed to the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks for emergency stabilization before being airlifted to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for advanced treatment. Despite the tireless efforts of medical teams, the 35-year-old succumbed to his injuries, marking a devastating end to a promising career.
Haruna was remembered by colleagues as a calm, disciplined, and compassionate figure—qualities that made his untimely death all the more heartbreaking. As a dual-role professional balancing military duties with medical expertise, he was a pillar in his unit, often going above and beyond to care for his fellow soldiers.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna, has been arrested by local authorities and is currently in police custody at the Abak Division. Investigations are underway to determine the exact sequence of events and any underlying factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Police spokesperson, ASP Udoh, confirmed the arrest but withheld further details pending a thorough probe. The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement, though efforts to reach Lt. Col. Onyechi Appolonia Anele, Director of Army Public Relations, were unsuccessful as of press time.
This horrific case has ignited widespread outrage and grief across social media, with Nigerians mourning the loss of another life to domestic violence. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent interventions, including mandatory counseling for military families and stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence. “This isn’t just a family tragedy; it’s a national wake-up call,” tweeted counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who first broke the story on X.
As the nation grapples with this loss, questions linger about support systems for those in high-stress professions like the military. Haruna leaves behind two young children and a legacy of service that will not be forgotten. Updates on the investigation will be provided as they emerge.