A tragic incident has rocked the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following the death of Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna, a newly commissioned military officer and medical doctor.
Dr. Haruna, originally from Jos, Plateau State, graduated as a medical doctor before joining the Nigerian Army. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in 2024 and had only recently married his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, in April 2025.
According to reports, the couple had a heated argument on September 22, 2025, allegedly stemming from suspicions of infidelity. The confrontation escalated, leading to a horrifying act in which Mrs. Haruna, a nurse by profession, reportedly doused her husband with petrol and set him ablaze.
Lt. Haruna was initially treated at the military clinic within the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
The couple had been married for just five months at the time of the incident.
Mrs. Haruna has since been arrested and is currently in police custody pending formal charges in court.
The Nigerian Army and local authorities have yet to release an official statement, but the incident has sparked widespread shock and sorrow across the country.
May Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna rest in peace.
