A Nigerian police inspector, Okolie Amechi, was fatally shot by his 10-year-old son while on duty in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday at a Polaris Bank branch located along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street.
An internal police wireless communication obtained by Sahara Reporters revealed the harrowing details of the event.
The officer, while stationed for security duty at the bank, was visited by his three young sons—10-year-old Dominion Vincent, 8-year-old Wisdom Vincent, and 6-year-old Emmanuel Vincent. During the visit, Dominion reportedly gained access to his father’s loaded service rifle, an AK-47.
READ ALSO: Police sergeant shoots father to death in Borno State
Unaware of the weapon’s status, the child pulled the trigger from behind, striking his father in the spine. The bullet also hit his youngest sibling, Emmanuel, who suffered gunshot injuries to his back and right hand.
While Inspector Amechi was rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. Emmanuel is currently receiving medical treatment and responding positively, according to hospital sources.
The police report states that the officer’s rifle—an AK-47 with breach number BA360691—had been cocked and left without its safety catch engaged.
This lapse allowed the boy to unintentionally discharge the weapon. The firearm, loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, has since been secured.
Authorities confirmed that the case has been referred to the Central Police Station in Awka for a full investigation.
The wireless message, part of standard internal police communications, began with:
“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 (male, 10 years), Wisdom Vincent (male, 8 years), Emmanuel Vincent (male, 6 years).”
The message further detailed that Dominion, unaware of the dangers posed by the cocked rifle, was playing with the weapon when he discharged it, leading to the fatal outcome.
Sahara Reporters
