10-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Police Inspector Dead, Injures Sibling in Anambra State

A 10-year-old boy accidentally shot his police officer father dead in Awka while playing with a loaded rifle.

The same bullet injured his 6-year-old brother, prompting investigations into firearm safety protocol lapses.

A tragic incident unfolded in Awka, Anambra State, on Sunday night as a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, a police inspector, while also injuring his younger brother.

The deceased officer, identified as Inspector Okolie Amechi, was reportedly on official duty at Polaris Bank, located along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street in Awka, when the heartbreaking incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on June 15, 2026.

According to reports, Inspector Amechi was visited at his duty post by his three young sons. During the visit, his eldest son, Dominion Vincent, 10, allegedly stumbled upon his father’s loaded service weapon an AK-47 rifle and began playing with it, unaware that the safety mechanism had not been engaged.

In the process, the boy unintentionally pulled the trigger, firing a round that fatally struck his father in the spine from behind. The same bullet also hit his youngest sibling, Emmanuel Vincent, aged 6, causing injuries to his back and right arm.

Both victims were immediately rushed to the Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka. While the six-year-old is currently receiving treatment and responding positively, the officer was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Sources indicate that the AK-47 rifle, with Breach Number BA360691, was loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition at the time of the incident. It was reportedly left cocked and without the safety lock enabled an oversight that proved fatal.

Following the tragic event, the weapon was recovered from the scene and secured by authorities. The case has been handed over to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for further investigation.

An official report detailing the sequence of events confirmed:

“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).”

The police have yet to issue a full statement, but internal sources suggest the investigation will also look into possible lapses in weapon safety protocol.

The tragic accident has sparked widespread grief and concern over the handling of firearms around minors, especially by security operatives while on duty.