Young Army Medical Doctor, Lt. Samson Haruna, Dies After Being Set Ablaze by Wife

Tragedy in Akwa Ibom: Young Army Medical Doctor, Lt. Samson Haruna, Dies After Being Set Ablaze by Wife

In a deeply tragic and disturbing incident that has shocked the Nigerian military and the wider public, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a young Nigerian Army medical doctor, died after allegedly being set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute.

The event occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Lt. Haruna, who hailed from Benue State, was serving as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) with the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army. He had only recently been commissioned into the military in 2024 after completing his medical training. His marriage to Retyit Dalong, a nurse, took place in April 2025 in Jos, Plateau State, marking just five months of matrimony before the fatal incident.

According to multiple reports, the couple had been experiencing recurring marital tensions, allegedly stemming from accusations of infidelity. On the night of the incident, a heated argument escalated, leading to Mrs. Haruna allegedly dousing her husband with petrol (PMS) and setting him on fire. 

Lt. Haruna sustained severe burns and was initially treated at the Military Reference Section within the barracks. He was later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for advanced care, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Nigerian Army has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the military police investigation.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Haruna has been arrested, and the case is under active investigation. In a voice message that surfaced online, she reportedly claimed that the incident was not intentional, although her statements have sparked further debate and scrutiny.

The tragedy has ignited conversations around domestic violence, mental health, and the pressures faced by young couples, especially those in high-stress professions like the military.

Lt. Haruna’s death is not only a personal loss to his family and colleagues but also a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved domestic conflict.