A tragic incident has rocked the Anambra State Police Command as a serving officer, Inspector Okolie Amechi, was accidentally shot and killed by his 10-year-old son in Awka.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident occurred on the evening of June 15, 2025, when the child, reportedly unaware that the AK-47 rifle assigned to his father was loaded, pulled the trigger.
The shot struck Inspector Amechi in the back, while a second child was also injured in the hand. “Regrettably, Inspector Amechi was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at the hospital,” the statement read. “The second victim is responding to treatment.”
The AK-47 rifle involved in the incident has since been recovered, and the remains of the late Inspector have been deposited in the morgue.
The Command expressed its heartfelt sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased officer. “The Command, while wishing the second victim a quick recovery, condoles with the family and friends of the late Inspector,” SP Ikenga stated.
He added that further developments will be communicated as investigations continue.
The tragic event has raised fresh concerns about the safe handling and storage of firearms in residential settings, especially among security personnel with young children at home.