A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has reportedly died from severe burns he sustained after his wife allegedly set him on fire during a violent altercation.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the incident occurred at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The tragic event has left the barracks community in deep sorrow.
Lt. Haruna, who was also a medical doctor serving as the Regimental Medical Officer with the 6 Battalion, was said to have engaged in a heated argument with his wife, identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna. During the confrontation, she allegedly poured petrol on him and set him ablaze.
Makama explained that the officer sustained extensive burns and was first treated at the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further care. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Reports indicate that the wife has been arrested and is currently in custody while the authorities conduct a full investigation into the incident.
The Nigerian Army and local community have expressed shock and grief over the death of the officer, describing the situation as deeply tragic.