A 10-year-old boy tragically shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, a serving police officer in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 15, 2025, at the family residence in Awka, the state capital.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the boy accidentally discharged his father’s AK-47 rifle, striking Inspector Amechi in the back and injuring his sibling in the hand.
The police command expressed deep sadness over the incident and condoned with the family of the late officer, wishing the injured child a speedy recovery. The AK-47 rifle involved in the incident has been recovered, and Inspector Amechi’s remains have been deposited at the morgue.
This tragic event raises concerns about firearm safety and the need for stricter protocols on arms handling, especially within police households.
According to child psychiatrists, children who have access to guns or other weapons are at a higher risk of violent or dangerous behavior. Ensuring safe storage of firearms and providing proper supervision can help prevent such tragedies
