Posted on: Wed 08-10-2025

A medical doctor and army officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Office, has died after he was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Sources said the couple had a heated argument before his wife allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire while he was asleep.

The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

However, despite efforts by medical personnel, Haruna succumbed to his injuries due to the extent of the burns.

It was gathered that Mrs. Haruna has been arrested and is currently in custody as investigations into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, Dr. Obadiah Dalong, father of the deceased’s wife, confirmed the incident but offered a different version of events.

Speaking from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dalong claimed the fire was accidental, saying the deceased had earlier bought petrol in a gallon, which he kept in their room.

 

He said:

“On Monday, the victim incidentally lit a lighter, which caused the room to catch fire. Both husband and wife ran outside, but while the room was still burning, he remembered his credentials and other important documents inside. He rushed back to retrieve them but was badly injured. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.”

Dalong added that both the deceased and his wife were from the same Mwaghavul tribe in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

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