A Nigerian Army officer and medical doctor, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has reportedly died after being set ablaze by his wife during a domestic altercation in Akwa Ibom State.
The tragic incident occurred at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, in Abak Local Government Area on Monday.
Sources within the barracks said the couple had a heated quarrel before the wife allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire while he was asleep.
“The officer sustained severe burns and was first treated at the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further medical attention,” one of the sources said.
Despite efforts by doctors to save his life, Lt. Haruna succumbed to his injuries due to the severity of the burns.
It was gathered that the suspect, Mrs. Haruna, has been arrested and is currently in military custody as investigations continue.
However, the wife’s father, Dr. Obadiah Dalong, has disputed claims that his daughter intentionally set her husband on fire.
Speaking from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dalong said the incident was accidental.
According to him, “On Monday, the victim incidentally lit a lighter, which caused the room to catch fire. Both husband and wife ran outside, but while the room was still burning, he remembered his credentials and other important documents inside. He rushed back to retrieve them but was badly injured. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.”
Dalong added that both the deceased and his daughter were from the same Mwaghavul ethnic group in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
