By Deborah Nnamdi
A tragic incident occurred in Awka, Anambra State, where a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, a police inspector identified as Mr. Amaechi Okolie, using a service rifle assigned to him. The boy also wounded his brother during the incident.
According to reports, the child, unaware that the AK-47 rifle was loaded, handled the weapon and unintentionally pulled the trigger. The bullet struck his father in the back and injured his brother in the hand.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement released by spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the inspector was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead by a medical professional. His second son, who also sustained gunshot injuries, is currently receiving medical care and is reported to be in stable condition.
The statement read in part:
“The Anambra State Police Command has expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident that led to the death of Inspector Okolie Amechi in Awka on the evening of June 15, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was an accidental discharge caused by the Inspector’s 10-year-old son, who was unaware of the rifle’s loaded state.”
“The AK-47 rifle has since been recovered, and the body of the deceased officer has been deposited in the morgue. The Command extends its condolences to the bereaved family and wishes the injured child a swift recovery.”
