10-year-old boy accidentally kills policeman father with service rifle in Anambra

A sorrowful tragedy has struck a family and the entire Anambra State Police Command, as a 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, with his service rifle.

The heartbreaking incident occurred when the child, unaware that the AK-47 rifle was loaded, reportedly pulled the trigger out of curiosity. The bullet struck Inspector Amechi fatally in the back and also injured one of his other children in the hand.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the event as a case of accidental discharge. He explained that the rifle, which was assigned to the late officer, had been left unattended, giving the child access to the weapon.

“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”, Ikenga said.

He added that the AK-47 rifle has been recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.

The command, while wishing the second victim a quick recovery, consoles the family and friends of the late Inspector.