Tragedy struck in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Sunday when a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, Police Inspector Okolie Amechi, with the officer’s service AK-47 rifle.
The incident, which occurred at the inspector’s residence, also left the officer’s second son, Emmanuel, injured after being struck by the same bullet in the hand.
According to reports gathered by Punch Metro on Monday, the child was reportedly handling his father’s loaded AK-47 rifle when he unknowingly pulled the trigger.
The bullet struck Inspector Amechi in the back and the boy’s sibling in the hand, leading to panic at the scene.
The Anambra State Police Command has been plunged into mourning following the loss.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement that Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead by doctors at the hospital where he was rushed, while his second son is currently receiving treatment.
“The Anambra State Police Command has expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of Police Inspector Okolie Amechi in Awka,” Ikenga stated.
He explained that the accidental discharge occurred on the evening of June 15, 2025. “The son, unaware of the condition of the AK-47 rifle assigned to the Inspector, pulled the trigger, striking his father on the back and his sibling on the hand.”
Ikenga added that the service rifle has since been recovered, and the late officer’s body deposited in the mortuary. He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and noted that updates on the matter would be provided as investigations progress.
