Tragedy struck in the state capital on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, Police Inspector Okolie Amechi, with the officer’s service AK-47 rifle. The same bullet also injured his younger brother, Emmanuel, in the hand.
According to reports, the child was reportedly playing with the rifle at their residence in Awka when he mistakenly pulled the trigger, striking his father in the back and injuring his sibling in the process.
The heartbreaking incident has plunged the Anambra State Police Command into mourning. Inspector Amechi was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. His second son is currently receiving medical attention and is said to be responding to treatment.
In a statement confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The Anambra State Police Command has expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of Inspector Okolie Amechi. The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 15, 2025, was allegedly due to an accidental discharge by his 10-year-old son.”
Ikenga further disclosed that the rifle has been recovered and that the remains of the deceased officer have been deposited at the morgue. “The command condoles with the family and friends of the late Inspector and wishes the second victim a speedy recovery. Further updates will be provided as investigations continue,” he added.
This tragedy comes amid lingering security concerns in Anambra State. In August 2024, gunmen attacked a police checkpoint beside the Nnobi Police Station in Idemili South Local Government Area, killing a police officer. The incident followed a similar assault on Omata-Nnobi Road in Nnewi, where armed assailants used explosives and gunfire to ambush law enforcement officers.
