Tragedy in Awka: 10-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Kills Police Father With AK-47
A tragic incident in Awka, Anambra State, has left a community in mourning and sparked nationwide concern over gun safety among security officers.
On Sunday night, June 15, 2025, a 10-year-old boy, Dominion Vincent, accidentally shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, with an AK-47 rifle. The heartbreaking event occurred while Inspector Amechi was on duty at Polaris Bank along Zik Avenue, Okeke Street, around 9:40 p.m.
The officer had reportedly been visited by his three young sons — Dominion (10), Wisdom (8), and Emmanuel (6) — when the unimaginable happened.
According to eyewitness accounts, Dominion picked up his father’s loaded AK-47 rifle, which had been left cocked and without the safety engaged. While playing behind his father, the child mistakenly pulled the trigger, fatally shooting him in the spine. The same bullet also struck 6-year-old Emmanuel, injuring his back and hand.
Both victims were rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, where Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead. Emmanuel is currently receiving medical treatment and is said to be responding well.
“How Did a Child Get His Hands on a Loaded Rifle?”
The Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue an official press release, but a leaked internal police memo described the tragedy as an accidental discharge caused by officer negligence. The rifle, meant for security use, was reportedly left unattended and within reach of children — a critical breach of safety protocol.
The case has been transferred to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for further investigation.
Locals are devastated. “This is just too painful,” said Mama Ngozi, a trader nearby. “A father’s weapon taking his life? It’s beyond words.”
Community leaders are demanding urgent reforms in police firearm handling. “This is a wake-up call,” said activist Chidi Okafor. “There must be proper training and stricter safety rules for police officers, especially when children are around.”
As the family grieves the painful loss of a father and prays for the recovery of young Emmanuel, the tragic event has reignited national debate about gun safety, police accountability, and the unseen risks security personnel face — both from outside threats and within their own homes.
🗣 What Do You Think?
How can tragic incidents like this be prevented in the future?
Should stricter gun safety training be made mandatory for all security officers?