Army Doctor Dies After Wife Allegedly Sets Him Ablaze in Akwa Ibom
A shocking case of domestic tragedy has hit the Nigerian Army, following the death of a young medical officer, Lt. Samson (Samuel) Haruna, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a heated altercation at their home inside Wellington Bassey Barracks, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to multiple media reports, the incident occurred on September 22, 2025, when the couple engaged in a violent argument allegedly linked to suspected infidelity. During the altercation, Mrs. Haruna reportedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire while he was asleep.
Lt. Haruna, who hailed from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, was serving as a Regimental Medical Officer with the 6th Battalion’s medical unit. He sustained severe burns and was rushed to the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for further treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries days later.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed and condemned the killing through its 2 Brigade Headquarters in Akwa Ibom, describing it as a tragic act of domestic violence. In a statement, the Army emphasized that it “does not condone acts of brutality or violence among its personnel or their families,” assuring the public that investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the suspect — identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna — has been arrested and is in police custody pending further investigation.
However, there are conflicting reports about the circumstances that led to the fire. The wife’s father, Dr. Obadiah Dalong, told journalists that the fire was accidental. He alleged that Lt. Haruna had kept petrol in the room and that it ignited accidentally when he lit a lighter. Dalong claimed the officer sustained fatal burns while attempting to retrieve documents from the burning room.
Their story had begun with joy only months earlier. In April 2025, Lt. Haruna and his bride, Retyit Obadiah Dalong, tied the knot in a colorful and glamorous wedding ceremony in Jos, Plateau State. The celebration drew family, friends, and colleagues from the military and medical communities, who described the couple as deeply in love and full of promise. Pictures from the ceremony, now widely shared online, showed the young officer beaming in his ceremonial attire beside his radiant bride.
What was once a union celebrated for its elegance and warmth has now become a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly love can turn tragic.
Their union lasted barely six months before the tragic incident occurred.
The Nigerian Army has assured the public that a full investigation is underway, while family and friends continue to mourn the death of a promising officer and medical professional
