By John Moses
A ten-year-old boy has accidentally shot and killed his father, a serving police inspector, in a devastating incident in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, Inspector Okolie Amechi was killed on the evening of 15 June 2025 at his residence in Awka, the state capital. Police say the young boy mistakenly discharged his father’s AK-47 rifle, striking him fatally in the back. A second child was also injured during the incident.
Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra Police Command, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the weapon had been assigned to the late officer.
“The Inspector’s 10-year-old son, unaware of the rifle’s condition, pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Inspector Amechi in the back and injured his second child on the hand,” Ikenga stated.
Inspector Amechi was rushed to a medical facility where he was confirmed dead by the attending physician. His second child is reportedly receiving treatment and is in stable condition.
Authorities say the rifle has since been recovered, and the late officer’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary.
“The command deeply regrets this tragic event,” SP Ikenga said, expressing condolences to the bereaved family and offering wishes for the injured child’s swift recovery.
Police have not confirmed whether further investigations or disciplinary actions will follow in connection with the storage and handling of the firearm.
