How Police Inspector was shot dead by 10-year-old son in Anambra

A tragic incident unfolded in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Sunday when a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, a Police Inspector identified as Okolie Amechi, using the officer’s service AK-47 rifle.

This newspaper gathered on Monday that the same bullet also struck the officer’s second son, Emmanuel, in the hand during the chaotic scene that resulted from an accidental discharge at their residence.

The boy was reportedly handling the rifle, which had been assigned to the inspector, when he mistakenly pulled the trigger. The bullet fatally hit his father in the back and injured his sibling.

The Anambra State Police Command has been thrown into mourning over the shocking incident.

In a statement confirming the event, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the inspector was pronounced dead by a doctor at the hospital where he was rushed for treatment. The second victim, Emmanuel, is said to be responding well to medical care.

Ikenga stated, “The Anambra State Police Command has expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of Police Inspector Okolie Amechi in Awka.

“The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 15, 2025, was allegedly due to an accidental discharge by his 10-year-old son. The son, unaware of the status of the AK-47 rifle assigned to the inspector, pulled the trigger and struck the officer on the back and his second child on the hand.”

“Regrettably, Inspector Amechi was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at the hospital, while the second victim was said to be responding to treatment.”

According to Ikenga, the AK-47 rifle has since been recovered, and the body of the late inspector has been deposited in a morgue.

“The command, while wishing the second victim a quick recovery, condoles with the family and friends of the late Inspector. Further developments will be communicated accordingly,” he added.

This incident follows a spate of violent attacks on police officers in the state.

This newspaper had previously reported in August 2024 that gunmen attacked a police checkpoint beside the Nnobi Police Station in Idemili South Local Government Area.

That attack occurred barely three weeks after another checkpoint was targeted along Omata-Nnobi Road in Nnewi, where a police officer was killed and an explosive device was used during the assault.