Tragic Incident: 10-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Police Inspector Father Dead in Anambra
A tragic accident has occurred in Anambra State, where a 10-year-old boy mistakenly shot and killed his father, a police inspector, during an unintentional discharge of a service weapon.
The deceased officer, identified as Inspector Okolie Amechi, was on official duty at Polaris Bank along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street in Awka when the unfortunate event unfolded. According to reports, the incident took place around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Inspector Amechi was visited at his duty post by his three sons—Dominion Vincent (10), Wisdom Vincent (8), and Emmanuel Vincent (6). While they were there, Dominion reportedly began playing with his father's AK-47 rifle, unaware that it was loaded and ready to fire.
Tragically, Dominion pulled the trigger from behind his father, striking him fatally in the spine. The bullet also hit his younger brother, Emmanuel, who sustained serious injuries to his back and right hand.
Both the officer and his injured son were immediately rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka. Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead on arrival, while Emmanuel is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be responding well.
The service rifle, identified by its breach number BA360691 and loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, had reportedly been negligently cocked and left without the safety mechanism engaged.
Police authorities have since retrieved the weapon from the child and transferred the case to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for further investigation.
A confidential incident report issued by the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the details of the event and expressed regret over the unfortunate loss. The report reads in part:
> “Regret to inform you that on the above date, at about 9:40 p.m., Inspector Okolie Amechi (AP/No. 262498), who was on duty at Polaris Bank, Zik Avenue by Okeke Street, Awka, was visited by his three sons: Dominion Vincent (10), Wisdom Vincent (8), and Emmanuel Vincent (6). The first son, Dominion, unknowingly discharged his father's service rifle, resulting in the fatal injury of the officer and wounding of his younger brother.”
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of strict firearm safety, especially in environments where children are present. It has also raised fresh concerns over the handling and storage of firearms by security personnel while on duty.
As investigations continue, the public is urged to keep the bereaved family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.