Nigerian Army Officer Dies After Domestic Dispute Turns Tragic

The Nigerian military community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna, a recently commissioned medical officer who died after sustaining severe burns in a domestic incident allegedly involving his wife.

According to reports by Daily Post, Lt. Haruna, who hailed from Jos and had trained and qualified as a medical doctor before joining the Nigerian Army in 2024, passed away on September 22, 2025. He was serving as a Regimental Medical Officer at Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Eyewitnesses and local media reported that an argument broke out between Lt. Haruna and his wife, identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna, a nurse by profession. The disagreement was allegedly triggered by accusations of infidelity. According to Linda Ikeji’s Blog, during the heated altercation, the wife allegedly doused the officer with petrol and set him on fire.

Following the incident, the injured officer was first taken to the military clinic within Wellington Bassey Barracks for urgent treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Medical personnel at the facility reportedly battled to save his life, but he succumbed to the extensive burns a few days later, as reported by Daily Post.

At the time of his death, Lt. Haruna had been married for only five months. His tragic demise has sparked widespread shock and grief among military colleagues, friends, and family. The case has also drawn public attention to the issue of domestic violence and its devastating consequences.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed that the suspect, Mrs. Haruna, has been arrested and is currently in custody while investigations continue. According to Daily Post, she is expected to face prosecution in connection with the incident.

Tributes have poured in on social media under hashtags such as #JusticeForSamson and #RIPDrSamsonHaruna, with many Nigerians calling for a swift and fair trial for the suspect. Others have expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the late officer as a promising young doctor dedicated to both his military duties and the well-being of his colleagues.

The Nigerian Army has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident. However, military insiders who spoke anonymously to the press described the loss as “a painful blow to the regiment” and urged authorities to ensure justice is served.

The tragic case has reignited conversations on the need for better conflict resolution within homes and more proactive interventions to prevent domestic violence.