Barracks Horror: Army Officer Burnt Alive by Wife Five Months After Lavish Wedding

A shocking tragedy has rocked the Nigerian Army following the gruesome death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife, Mrs. Retyit Obadiah Dalong Haruna, during a domestic quarrel in Akwa Ibom State — barely five months after their wedding.

The incident, which occurred at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Uyo, threw the military community into mourning, with colleagues describing the deceased as a disciplined and promising young officer.

Sources said the couple had a heated argument late at night, which escalated violently when Mrs. Haruna allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire. Neighbours and fellow soldiers rushed to the scene after hearing distress calls and managed to put out the flames, but the officer had already sustained severe burns over most parts of his body.

He was initially treated at the Battalion Medical Centre before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), where he later died despite doctors’ efforts to save his life.

Confirming the incident, Lieutenant Lawal Muhammad, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Uyo, said the Nigerian Army “condemns this act of domestic violence and deeply mourns the loss of a gallant officer.”

> “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of peaceful coexistence and respect within families. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Lieutenant Haruna,” the statement read.

Military authorities disclosed that Mrs. Haruna has been arrested by the military police and is currently in custody while investigations continue. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has also been notified.

Reliable military sources confirmed that the tragedy stemmed from a domestic disagreement that spiralled out of control, resulting in the officer being caught in the inferno after his wife allegedly set fire to household items.

The incident has sparked conversations across the barracks and beyond about rising cases of domestic violence within military families, with many calling for emotional health counselling and conflict resolution programs for personnel and their spouses.

Lieutenant Haruna’s death marks yet another painful reminder of how quickly love can turn to tragedy — a union once celebrated with pomp now ending in devastating loss.