The Nigerian Army has called the death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna a case of domestic violence, as it commiserated with the family of the deceased.
It would be recalled that Lieutenant Haruna, a Regimental Medical Officer of the 6 Battalion, died after he was allegedly set ablaze by his wife at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 22, after a heated argument between the officer and his wife, Mrs Retyit Obadiah Dalong Haruna.
The officer, who is also a medical doctor, suffered massive burns as a result of the fire incident and could not be saved.
The wife has since tried to exonerate herself from the incident, claiming that the deceased mistakenly set himself ablaze.
She also complained that she was the victim of domestic violence in their six-month marriage.
The Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom has now officially responded to the incident.
In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lawal Muhammad, the army described the incident as “a tragic case of domestic violence.”
Muhammad said preliminary investigation by its team established that a family crisis escalated rapidly into violence, destruction of property and fatal fire.
The Army strongly condemned “this act of domestic violence” and emphasised peaceful coexistence and respect within families.
The Nigerian Army extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
It said it would continue to advocate for healthy relationships, address domestic violence, and foster a culture of respect and dialogue within families and communities.
The Army appealed for calm, as the military police continued its investigations into the matter.
The late officer reportedly married his wife, a nurse, in an elaborate wedding ceremony in April 2025.
