By Abdulahmeed Abdulrozaq Bilal | Fact Frontier.
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The nation was left reeling this week following the horrific death of Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna, a serving Nigerian Army officer and medical doctor, who succumbed to severe burns after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic quarrel at their residence in the Wellington Bassey Barracks. This tragic incident has cast a stark and unforgiving light on the silent epidemic of domestic violence, forcing a critical national conversation: are there recognizable signs that can predict when domestic disputes might escalate to fatal ends?
Experts in the field of intimate partner violence (IPV) assert that the answer is a resounding yes. While every situation is unique, a clear set of "lethality indicators" can serve as a grim forecast for the potential of severe injury or homicide. The details emerging from the Haruna case, though still under investigation, present a chilling tableau that may have contained several of these red flags.
The Harbingers of Fatal Violence: Beyond the Ordinary Quarrel
Domestic violence is not a single event but a pattern of coercive control that escalates over time. The transition from slaps and shoves to life-threatening assaults is often marked by specific, dangerous behaviours.
One of the most critical predictors is non-fatal strangulation. Research consistently shows that a victim who has been choked by their partner is over 750% more likely to be later killed by that same person. Dr. Jacqueline Campbell of Johns Hopkins University, a leading researcher on the subject, developed a Danger Assessment tool, which identifies strangulation as a paramount risk factor. As her studies note, choking is
the ultimate form of power and control,demonstrating a willingness to use lethal force.
Another major indicator is an intense escalation in the severity or frequency of violence. What might begin as pushing can rapidly progress to punching, use of objects as weapons, and finally, the use of a lethal weapon. The alleged use of an accelerant like petrol in the Haruna case represents a catastrophic escalation, moving far beyond impulsive violence to an act with a near-certain fatal outcome.
Furthermore, extreme jealousy and possessiveness—often encapsulated by the "if I can't have you, no one can" mentality—are significant red flags. This is frequently coupled with stalking behaviour and a history of threats to kill the partner, themselves, or both. When an abuser feels they are losing control, especially during a period of separation or a heated confrontation, the risk of them acting on these homicidal or suicidal threats skyrockets.
The presence of a weapon, particularly a firearm, exponentially increases the risk. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that
the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.While the weapon in this case was petrol, the principle remains: the introduction of a highly lethal, indiscriminate method is a clear signal of intent.
A Nigerian Context: Could This Tragedy Have Been Avoided?
Preventing a tragedy of this magnitude requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses societal, institutional, and community levels. In the Nigerian context, several pathways could have potentially altered the course of events.
1. Breaking the Culture of Silence: In many Nigerian communities, domestic violence is wrongly considered a "private family matter." Stigma, shame, and fear of judgment prevent victims and witnesses from speaking out.
There is a pervasive culture of silence that surrounds domestic abuse in Nigeria,says Dr. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, a Nigerian health lawyer and author.
We must normalize viewing it not as a private shame, but as a public crime and a health crisis.
Had friends, family, or colleagues within the barracks community observed escalating arguments, extreme jealousy, or previous physical altercations and felt empowered to intervene or connect the couple with resources, the outcome might have been different. Community-led initiatives, supported by religious and traditional leaders, are crucial to reframing this narrative.
2. Institutional Intervention and Support Systems: The military, as a structured institution, has a unique opportunity and responsibility to care for its personnel. Implementing mandatory counselling for service members and their families, creating confidential reporting channels for domestic disputes, and providing support for mental health and anger management could serve as critical intervention points.
If Lt. Haruna or his wife had access to a confidential, non-punitive counselling service within the barracks, they might have been able to address the root causes of their conflicts before they escalated to violence.
3. Strengthening Legal and Protective Frameworks: While Nigeria has the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, its implementation is uneven across states. Ensuring robust enforcement, training law enforcement officers on lethality assessment, and funding shelters and hotlines are vital. A victim who recognizes the high-risk signs needs to know that a functional and responsive safety net exists.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has set a precedent with its hotline and response services. Scaling such models nationwide could save lives. As the DSVA often states in its campaigns,
Speaking up is your right, getting help is your priority.
4. Public Education on Lethality Indicators: Public awareness campaigns must move beyond generic "say no to violence" messages to specifically educate the public on the high-risk signs. Knowing that strangulation, stalking, and threats of murder are direct precursors to homicide can empower victims to seek help earlier and encourage bystanders to act more decisively.
A Call to Action
The death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna is not just a statistic; it is a profound national tragedy and a wake-up call. It underscores the urgent need to move from reactive outrage to proactive prevention. By understanding the lethal warning signs, dismantling the culture of silence, and strengthening our institutional support systems, Nigerians can begin to build a future where home is a place of safety, not a place of mortal danger.
If you or someone you know is at risk, please reach out for confidential help:
• National Gender-Based Violence Hotline: 0800 333 3333
• Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency: 0800 000 9999
