Just in: Police officer shot dead by 10-year-old son in Anambra

DDM News

A tragic domestic accident has left residents of Awka, the capital of Anambra State, in deep shock and sorrow.

According to reports, a ten-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, a serving police officer.

The heartbreaking event took place on the evening of Saturday, June 14, 2025, within the family’s residence in Awka.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered from official sources that the young boy was allegedly handling an AK-47 rifle assigned to his father when it discharged unexpectedly.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.

He stated that the child, unaware of the weapon’s danger, unintentionally pulled the trigger, leading to a fatal outcome.

The discharged bullet struck Inspector Amechi in the back and also injured one of his other children on the hand.

The injured child, according to police sources, was immediately rushed to the hospital and is responding positively to treatment.

Inspector Amechi, however, was declared dead on arrival by medical professionals who attended to him.

Authorities have since recovered the service rifle and deposited the officer’s body in the morgue pending further investigations.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the handling and storage of firearms in police households, especially around minors.

In his official response, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed his grief over the incident.

He described the accidental killing of Inspector Okolie Amechi by his own child as both painful and regrettable.

The Commissioner emphasized the command’s full support to the grieving family and extended condolences to them during this trying time.

He further assured the public that the police will implement necessary measures to prevent a repeat of such an unfortunate incident.

“While we pray for the speedy recovery of the second child, the Command remains committed to ensuring such lapses are avoided in the future,” Orutugu stated.

He promised that more details regarding the investigation and follow-up actions will be communicated in due course.

This incident has sparked public discourse on the risks of bringing service weapons into family environments without adequate safety protocols.

Security analysts have advised the Nigerian Police Force to reevaluate how firearms are secured by personnel when off duty.

The tragedy has also drawn reactions from civil society groups calling for increased firearm education and tighter safety regulations within police quarters.

Neighbours and community members in Awka described Inspector Amechi as a quiet and disciplined officer who maintained a humble lifestyle.

One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the family had only recently relocated to the area.

The resident added that the sound of gunfire shook the neighborhood, with many initially believing it was an armed robbery attack.

It was only after the commotion subsided that the true nature of the tragedy became known to the shocked community.

As investigations continue, there are growing calls for psychological support and trauma counseling for the affected family.

Social workers have pointed out the long-term emotional implications of the incident on the young boy who accidentally pulled the trigger.

Experts warn that, without proper intervention, such a traumatic experience could leave lasting psychological scars.

Inspector Amechi’s death adds to a growing list of accidental firearm discharges in Nigeria that have led to tragic consequences.

Critics argue that repeated warnings about weapon safety among law enforcement families have not been fully acted upon.

The Nigeria Police Force has previously faced criticism for lax enforcement of internal protocols related to firearm storage.

This incident may reignite demands for stricter enforcement and disciplinary action where negligence is found.

Meanwhile, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) have reportedly begun arrangements to support the bereaved family.

Local churches and community leaders in Awka are also planning to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the late officer.

As more details emerge, the case is expected to form part of discussions around child safety, parental responsibility, and gun control in Nigeria.

DDM will continue to follow this developing story and provide timely updates as investigations progress.

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