Mourners wept openly on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as Lt. (Dr.) Samson Haruna, a young military officer allegedly killed by his wife, Retyit Dalong Haruna, was laid to rest with full military honours in his hometown in Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, where the 31-year-old officer was allegedly doused with petrol by his wife and set on fire. He later succumbed to severe burns weeks after the attack.

At the time, Lt. Haruna was serving as a medical doctor attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) and had been married for only five months.

A source in the barracks told reporters that Lt. Haruna sustained critical burns and was initially stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not survive.

Although the suspect’s family reportedly sought to exonerate her, sources maintain that Retyit Dalong Haruna remains the main suspect. Another military officer from the same formation confirmed that she has been handed over to the police for further investigation and will face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The funeral drew widespread mourning, reflecting the deep shock and grief experienced by both the military community and the deceased officer’s family.