Army Officer Dies After Wife Allegedly Sets Him Ablaze During Domestic Dispute In Akwa Ibom

A Nigerian Army officer, identified as Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has reportedly died from severe burns after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic quarrel in Akwa Ibom State.

According to sources, the tragic incident occurred over the weekend at the couple’s residence within a military barracks in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses said the couple had been engaged in a heated argument late at night before the situation turned violent. It was alleged that the officer’s wife doused him with petrol and set him on fire after the quarrel escalated beyond control.

Neighbours and fellow officers reportedly rushed to the scene following distress calls and managed to put out the flames, but by then, the officer had sustained severe burns over most parts of his body.

Lieutenant Haruna was immediately taken to the military hospital in Uyo and later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for intensive care. However, despite efforts by medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday.

The woman, whose name has yet to be disclosed, was said to have been apprehended by military police and is currently in custody pending investigation.

Security sources told journalists that the Army has launched an internal probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the state police command has also been notified.

The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the military community in Akwa Ibom, with colleagues describing Lieutenant Haruna as a disciplined and promising young officer.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army had yet to release an official statement on the matter.