Five-Month-Old Marriage ends in tragedy as wife sets Army Doctor husband on Fire

Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna, a newly commissioned Nigerian Army medical officer, has died after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom State.

The shocking incident occurred on September 22, 2025, at Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, following a heated argument reportedly linked to infidelity allegations.

Dr. Haruna, who hailed from Jos and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 2024, was said to have been drenched in petrol and set on fire by his wife, a nurse identified as Mrs. Samson Haruna.

The couple, who got married in April 2025, had been together for just five months.

The victim was first rushed to the military clinic within the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he died from severe burns.

His wife has since been arrested and remains in custody pending her arraignment, though police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The tragedy has left the military community and Haruna’s hometown in mourning, with friends and colleagues describing him as a brilliant and dedicated doctor.

The case has reignited national concern over Nigeria’s growing domestic violence crisis.

According to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 30% of women in the country have experienced domestic violence, yet only about 5% of such cases are prosecuted, underscoring the urgent need for stronger intervention and justice mechanisms.