Lieutenant’s Death: Wife Alleges Domestic Abuse, Says Fire Broke Out During Heated Dispute

Fresh revelations have surfaced surrounding the death of Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, who died in a fire incident at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as his wife now in custody recounts a harrowing tale of alleged domestic abuse and tragedy.

Fresh details have emerged regarding the tragic incident at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, which claimed the life of Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna.

The officer’s wife, who is currently being held for questioning, has narrated her version of events surrounding the fire outbreak that led to her husband’s death.

According to her account, the marriage had been plagued by persistent domestic violence since its early days. She alleged that her husband frequently assaulted her, leading to a miscarriage at one point a situation she said was widely known among residents of the barracks.

Recalling the events of September 22, she claimed that her husband had asked her to vacate their home, warning that “something terrible” would happen if she stayed. He reportedly instructed her to leave without taking any of the household items he had purchased, threatening to destroy them.

She said, “He went to work that day and told me he didn’t want to see me when he returned. When he came back, he brought petrol and threatened to set me ablaze if I didn’t leave immediately. I thought he was joking until he picked up a lighter.”

Fearing for her safety, she said she called the Commanding Officer (CO) to report the situation but did not receive an immediate response.

“In the process, he mistakenly kicked the petrol container, spilling the contents on the floor. The lighter fell from his hand and ignited the fire. I ran out screaming for help, while he went back inside to retrieve his documents, but the flames spread and engulfed him,” she recounted tearfully.

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other relevant security agencies, has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the cause of the fire.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the preliminary findings as investigations continue.