Tragedy has struck in Awka, the Anambra State capital, with a 10-year-old boy, who is a son of a serving police officer, accidentally shooting and killing his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi.
The shocking domestic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday.
In a statement on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga said: ‘The incident occurred inside the family residence in Awka when the young boy, unknowingly handling an AK-47 rifle assigned to his father, discharged the weapon.
‘The bullet struck Inspector Amechi fatally in the back and also injured one of his other children in the hand.
‘The wounded child is reportedly responding to treatment in the hospital, while Inspector Amechi was confirmed dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
‘The rifle has since been recovered by authorities, and the body of the deceased officer has been deposited in the morgue’.
The state Police Commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.
He said that the command is fully committed to supporting the bereaved family and ensuring that similar lapses do not occur in the future.
‘While wishing the second victim a quick recovery, the Command condoles with the family and friends of the late Inspector. Further developments will be communicated accordingly’, the statement read.
