A routine visit turned tragic on Sunday night in Awka, Anambra State, as a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, while also injuring his 6-year-old brother, Emmanuel.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on June 15 at Polaris Bank, Zik Avenue, where Inspector Amechi was on duty. His three sons had come to visit him at work — a visit that would end in unimaginable grief.
According to reports, the eldest son, Dominion Vincent, was innocently playing around his father's loaded AK-47 rifle — unaware it was cocked and without the safety lock engaged. While handling the weapon from behind, he mistakenly pulled the trigger.
The bullet hit his father in the spine, proving fatal. Tragically, the same round also struck Emmanuel, the youngest son, in the back and right hand.
Both were rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, where the officer was sadly declared dead on arrival. Emmanuel, however, is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding well.
The rifle, which had 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, has been secured by authorities. The incident is now under investigation at the Central Police Station (CPS), Awka.
An internal police memo read:
“Regret to inform you that on the above date... Inspector Okolie Amechi... was visited by his three sons... Unknown to the first son, Dominion, the AK-47 rifle had been negligently cocked and left without the safety on.”
This incident raises pressing concerns about weapon safety and the need for stricter enforcement of firearm handling protocols, especially in the presence of civilians and minors.
Page manager
