By Our Reporter
A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has reportedly died from severe burns after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic quarrel in Akwa Ibom State. The incident has shocked the nation and reignited concerns about the growing wave of domestic violence in Nigerian homes.
Lieutenant Haruna, a medical officer attached to the 6 Battalion, was said to have had a heated argument with his wife at their residence in Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
During the altercation, the woman allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire. Haruna sustained severe burns and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died despite medical efforts to save his life.
The suspect has been taken into custody as military and police authorities begin investigations into the tragic incident.
The death of Lieutenant Haruna is not an isolated case. Across Nigeria, incidents of domestic violence — involving both men and women — have been on the rise, often ending in tragedy.
Recent reports show that hundreds of domestic violence cases are recorded yearly, with many resulting in death or permanent injury. While women and children remain the most frequent victims, men are increasingly suffering abuse — though many such cases go unreported due to social stigma and fear of ridicule.
Between 2022 and 2025, dozens of cases of fatal domestic assaults have been reported across various states. Some involved spouses setting their partners ablaze, stabbing them, or inflicting other brutal injuries during heated disputes. These shocking acts reveal an alarming pattern of violence and lack of emotional control within families.
In Enugu, a man reportedly cut off his wife’s wrist with a machete following accusations of infidelity.
In Anambra State, a husband allegedly set his wife ablaze for returning home late.
In Ogun State, police arrested a man for pouring hot oil on his wife and stabbing her during a domestic argument.
Several other cases across Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja have involved fatal assaults over jealousy, financial stress, or infidelity.
These recurring tragedies underscore a worsening domestic crisis, where marital disagreements increasingly turn deadly.
Experts say that rising domestic violence is fueled by poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, mental health challenges, and the erosion of moral and family values. The lack of effective conflict resolution skills among couples also contributes to the problem.
Social workers warn that unless the trend is addressed through stronger institutions and public awareness, more homes will continue to become scenes of violence and death rather than peace and love.
The death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna is another painful reminder of how quickly domestic disagreements can turn fatal. It calls for urgent national attention to the growing crisis of domestic violence — a problem that knows no gender, rank, or social class.