A tragic case of accidental discharge has claimed the life of Inspector Okolie Amechi, a serving officer of the Nigeria Police Force, who was shot by his 10-year-old son while on duty at Polaris Bank in Awka, Anambra State.
The unfortunate incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Sunday at the bank’s location along Zik Avenue near Okeke Street.
According to a police signal accessed by SaharaReporters, Inspector Amechi was performing his night security duties when his eldest son, Dominion Vincent, inadvertently pulled the trigger on his father’s loaded AK-47 rifle.
The bullet struck the officer from behind, causing fatal spinal injuries.
Tragically, the same round also hit Amechi’s six-year-old son, Emmanuel Vincent, leaving him with gunshot wounds to his back and right arm.
Both father and son were quickly taken to the Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka.
Unfortunately, Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead on arrival, while Emmanuel is reportedly receiving treatment and responding positively.
The internal police communication revealed that the weapon, a loaded AK-47 rifle with Breach No. BA360691 and 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, was negligently cocked and left with the safety off.
Dominion, unaware of the potential danger, was said to have been playing with the firearm when it went off.
The report stated: “The incident occurred while the officer was being visited by his three sons, Dominion (10), Wisdom (8), and Emmanuel (6).”
Following the shooting, the weapon was retrieved and secured by authorities.
The case has now been transferred to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for proper investigation.
The internal signal read in part: “Good evening, Sir. Incident Report, Accidental Discharge, 15/06/2026. Regret to inform you that on the above date, at about 9:40 p.m., Inspector Okolie Amechi… was fatally shot by his 10-year-old son, Dominion Vincent. The weapon had been cocked and left without the safety.”
