Must Read
A heartbreaking incident has rocked Awka, the capital of Anambra State, leaving a family and community in deep sorrow. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, a 10-year-old boy named Dominion Vincent accidentally shot and killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, a police officer, while he was on duty at Polaris Bank on Zik Avenue by Okeke Street. The tragic event, which happened around 9:40 p.m., also left Dominion’s younger brother, 6-year-old Emmanuel Vincent, injured.
According to reports, Inspector Amechi was visited at his duty post by his three sons: Dominion (10), Wisdom (8), and Emmanuel (6). While playing, Dominion picked up his father’s AK-47 rifle, which was cocked and left without the safety on. Not knowing the danger, the boy pulled the trigger from behind his father, shooting him in the spine.
The same bullet struck Emmanuel in the back and right hand. Both were rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka, but Inspector Amechi was pronounced dead on arrival. Emmanuel is receiving treatment and responding, police say.
The Anambra State Police Command has not yet issued a formal statement, but a police wireless message obtained by Sahara Reporters described the incident as an accidental discharge due to the officer’s negligence in leaving the loaded rifle unsecured.
The case has been transferred to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for further investigation. People in Awka are shocked, with many asking how a loaded weapon was left within reach of children. “This is too painful,” said a local trader, Mama Ngozi. “How can a father’s gun end his life like this?”
The incident has sparked calls for stricter rules on how police officers handle their weapons, especially around civilians and children. “The government must train police better on gun safety,” said Chidi Okafor, a community leader. “This kind of accident should never happen.” For now, the family is grieving the loss of Inspector Amechi, while praying for young Emmanuel’s recovery.
The police are expected to release more details as the investigation continues.
What do you think can be done to prevent such tragic accidents in the future?
