Army Officer Dies from Severe Burns After Wife Reportedly Sets Him Ablaze in Akwa Ibom

A Nigerian Army officer, identified as Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has died following a tragic domestic incident in which his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a heated argument.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, plunging the military community into mourning.

According to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the incident in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the deceased officer, who was also a medical doctor, served as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) of the 6 Battalion.

Makama narrated that an argument between Lt. Haruna and his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, escalated into violence, during which she allegedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire.

He added that the officer sustained severe 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 medical attention.

Despite intensive efforts by medical personnel, Lt. Haruna succumbed to his injuries. Makama also confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody as investigations continue into the incident.