A devastating incident unfolded late Sunday night when Inspector Okolie Amechi, a police officer on duty at Polaris Bank along Zik Avenue, Awka, was fatally shot by his 10-year-old son, Dominion Vincent, in an accidental discharge.
The tragedy, which occurred around 9:40 p.m., also left the officer’s youngest son, Emmanuel, 6, injured.
According to an internal police wireless message obtained by SaharaReporters, Inspector Amechi was visited by his three sons—Dominion, Wisdom (8), and Emmanuel—at the bank.
Unbeknownst to Dominion, his father’s AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds and negligently cocked without the safety on, was accessible.
While playing with the weapon, Dominion pulled the trigger, striking his father in the spine and fatally wounding him. The bullet also hit Emmanuel in the back and right hand.
Both victims were rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, Awka.
Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead on arrival, while Emmanuel is responding to treatment. The rifle was retrieved and secured, and the case has been transferred to the Central Police Station in Awka for investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about firearm safety protocols among officers. Authorities are investigating how the loaded weapon was left unsecured, leading to this heartbreaking accident.
The police have yet to release an official statement, but the community mourns the loss of Inspector Amechi, a dedicated officer, as his family grapples with the unimaginable tragedy.