A military officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has died after he was allegedly set ablaze by his wife over a domestic dispute.
Mr. Haruna, who hailed from Benue State, was the regimental medical officer at the 6 Battalion, Wellington Bassey Barracks in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 2024 after completing his medical training and had wedded his wife, Retyit Dalong, in Jos, Plateau State, in April, only five months before the incident.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on September 22.
The couple had reportedly been “embroiled in recurring disagreements over alleged infidelity,” which culminated in a confrontation that night.
The doctor was reportedly sleeping when his wife poured petrol over him and set him on fire.
He sustained severe burns and was initially treated at a clinic in the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, where he later died from his injuries.
The Nigerian Army has condemned the killing of Mr. Haruna and commiserated with his family, Punch newspaper reported.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lawal Muhammed, said in a statement on Tuesday that the doctor died “as a result of burns inflicted in a domestic dispute with his wife.”
Mr. Muhammed said a preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred after a heated argument between the late officer and his wife, stemming from a family crisis.
Mr. Muhammed stated the Nigerian Army strongly condemns “this act of domestic violence, recognising the imperative of peaceful coexistence and respect within families.”
He further said:“The Nigerian Army will continue to advocate healthy relations, address domestic violence and foster a culture of respect and dialogue within families and communities,”
Mr. Muhammed called on all parties to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the military police investigation.
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