Just In: Nigerian Army Breaks Silence as Newlywed Wife Allegedly Burns Officer Husband Alive

• The Nigerian Army condemned the killing of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom state
• Preliminary investigations revealed that the officer sustained severe burns after his wife reportedly set fire to their home following an argument
• The Army expressed condolences to Haruna’s family, urged calm, and confirmed that a military police investigation was underway

The Nigerian Army has broken its silence following the tragic death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, who was allegedly set ablaze by his newlywed wife during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State.

The 2 Brigade, in a statement issued by its Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Lawal Muhammad, on Tuesday, condemned the act and extended condolences to the deceased officer’s family.

“The Nigerian Army strongly condemns this act of domestic violence, recognising the imperative of peaceful coexistence and respect within families,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Lieutenant Haruna.”

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Incident followed a domestic argument

Preliminary investigations revealed that the tragic incident occurred after a heated argument between Lieutenant Haruna and his wife, identified as Mrs Retyit Obadiah Dalong Samson Haruna.

The dispute reportedly escalated when Mrs Haruna allegedly set fire to properties within their home, resulting in the officer being caught in the blaze.

The statement added that the officer sustained severe burns and was initially treated at the Battalion Medical Facility before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 September 2025.

Army calls for calm and investigation

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to promoting peaceful family relations and tackling domestic violence within the ranks.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to advocate healthy relationships, address domestic violence, and foster a culture of respect and dialogue within families and communities,” Muhammad added.

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The statement further appealed for calm, noting that a military police investigation was ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Similar incident stirs public concern

The officer’s death comes amid renewed scrutiny of violent incidents involving military personnel in Akwa Ibom state.

In a separate tragedy, one Christopher Enobong Jimmy, aged 42, was shot dead by a soldier after offering him a lift along the East-West Road from Port Harcourt.

Jimmy, who was a manager at a clearing and forwarding company in Onne Ports, Rivers State, had reportedly stopped to help the soldier reach Ette Junction in Ikot Abasi on 23 May 2021, before the situation took a violent turn.

The incident drew widespread condemnation from the public, with many calling for stricter disciplinary measures and improved mental health support within the military.

Court sentences ex-military officer to death

Previously, Legit.ng reported that a high court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, has sentenced a dismissed soldier, Stephen Iweh, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of a clearing and forwarding manager who had offered him a free ride.

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The court heard that 42-year-old Christopher Enobong Jimmy, based in Port Harcourt, had met Iweh at the Trailer Park in Onne, Rivers state, on 23 May 2021.

Source: Legit.ng