After the tragic death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a Nigerian Army officer allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom, one comment read, “Let’s hear from the woman’s side of the story, men can be very provoking.” While hearing both sides is important in any case, this statement subtly excuses the woman’s violent act by suggesting provocation might justify it. No level of provocation warrants setting someone on fire. Such comments downplay the gravity of domestic violence and shift sympathy away from the victim. Accountability, not justification, should be the focus in cases of brutality.
