In a statement released on Thursday by Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the Army confirmed that Lieutenant Haruna was rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) after the incident, where he battled for his life before passing away on October 6.
“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officer. A comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings will be made public once the process is concluded,” the statement read.
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While the Army continues its probe, the late officer’s wife, Mrs. Retyit Haruna, has denied allegations that she deliberately set her husband on fire. Taking to social media, she published an emotional post titled ‘I Didn’t Kill Him, Please Nigerians, He Did It to Himself’, where she claimed she had long endured domestic violence in the marriage.
According to Retyit, the fatal confrontation started when her husband allegedly threatened to burn down their home and ordered her to leave without her belongings. “He came home with petrol and told me to leave or he would set me on fire. I tried to reach our Commanding Officer but couldn’t. He accidentally kicked the petrol, and when the lighter fell, the fire started,” she wrote.
She further stated that she escaped the flames while her husband went back into the house to retrieve his documents but was engulfed by the fire.
The Army has urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims, assuring the public that the investigation will be handled with transparency and fairness.
Lieutenant Haruna’s death has stirred intense debate across social media and among human rights groups, with many calling for an impartial inquiry and stronger mental health and domestic violence support systems within the military.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over domestic conflicts in military homes and the urgent need for better welfare and counseling structures for officers and their families.
Keywords: Nigerian Army investigation
Synonyms: Lieutenant Samson Haruna death, wife sets husband ablaze, domestic violence in military, Uyo fire incident, Army officer dies in fire, military family crisis.
