A tragic incident occurred in Awka, Anambra State, on Sunday night as a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, a police inspector, at a bank duty post.
The officer, identified as Inspector Okolie Amechi, was on duty at Polaris Bank along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street when the incident happened at around 9:40 p.m. According to an internal police wireless message obtained by SaharaReporters, the inspector had been visited by his three sons — Dominion (10), Wisdom (8), and Emmanuel (6).
The report revealed that the eldest son, Dominion Vincent, was playing with his father’s loaded AK-47 rifle when he unknowingly pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Inspector Amechi from behind, hitting his spine and fatally wounding him. Tragically, the shot also hit his youngest brother, Emmanuel, causing injuries to the child’s back and right hand.
Both were rushed to the Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka. While Emmanuel is currently responding to treatment, Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead on arrival.
Further details from the police message indicate that the weapon — an AK-47 rifle with breach number BA360691 and loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition — had been negligently cocked and left without the safety lock engaged, allowing the child to discharge it unintentionally.
The rifle has since been retrieved and secured. The case has been transferred to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for a full investigation.
The internal communication stated:
“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).”
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns over the handling and storage of firearms, especially in non-secure environments where children may be present.
