Tragedy at Polaris Bank: Police Inspector Fatally Shot by 10-Year-Old Son in Accidental Firing

 

A tragic and deeply unsettling incident unfolded on Sunday evening in Awka, Anambra State, when a 10-year-old boy accidentally discharged an AK-47 rifle, killing his father, a serving police inspector, and injuring his younger brother.

The heartbreaking event occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. at Polaris Bank, situated along Zik Avenue near Okeke Street, where Inspector Okolie Amechi was stationed for duty. According to a wireless communication obtained by SaharaReporters, the late officer had received a visit from his three sons when the unfortunate accident happened.

Reports indicate that the first son, Dominion Vincent, aged 10, was unaware of the dangers posed by the weapon left unattended by his father. While playing with the loaded service rifle, Dominion inadvertently pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Inspector Amechi in the spine from behind, dealing a fatal blow. The round also hit his youngest sibling, Emmanuel Vincent, aged six, who sustained gunshot wounds to his back and right hand.

Both father and son were immediately rushed to the Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital in Awka. Medical staff pronounced Inspector Amechi dead on arrival, while Emmanuel is currently under medical care and reportedly responding to treatment.

This incident has sparked serious questions regarding weapon safety and police protocol. According to the internal police message confirming the incident, the rifle in question — an AK-47 with breach number BA360691 — had been carelessly cocked and left with its safety mechanism disengaged. Such negligence not only compromised the safety of the officer himself but also endangered the lives of those around him, including his children.

The wireless dispatch stated, “Good evening, Sir. Incident Report – Accidental Discharge – 15/06/2026. Regret to inform you that on the above date, at about 9:40 p.m., Inspector Okolie Amechi (AP/No. 262498), who was on duty at Polaris Bank, Zik Avenue by Okeke Street, Awka, was visited by his three sons: Dominion Vincent (male, 10 years), Wisdom Vincent (male, 8 years), Emmanuel Vincent (male, 6 years).”

The report continued to explain that the eldest of the three children, unaware that the weapon was active, had pulled the trigger in the course of play. The ramifications of this misjudgment were fatal, claiming the life of a seasoned police officer and injuring another young child.

Following the shooting, the firearm was swiftly recovered and secured by authorities. The tragic case has now been formally transferred to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for further investigation. The police are expected to probe the circumstances that led to the improper handling and storage of a high-powered assault rifle, especially in a civilian-accessible area.

Inspector Amechi’s death has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the police force and the local community. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated officer with years of service. However, this tragic ending raises urgent concerns about operational discipline and the enforcement of standard firearm safety measures within the Nigerian Police Force.

The presence of the officer’s children at his duty post — especially in a sensitive location such as a bank at night — also adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. Questions are emerging about whether the officer violated protocol by allowing unauthorized individuals, particularly minors, near an active duty post and a loaded weapon.

Child safety advocates and community leaders have begun calling for stricter enforcement of firearm safety rules among security personnel. Many argue that this loss could have been avoided entirely had standard weapon handling procedures been observed.

This devastating event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by firearms when not properly handled or secured. It also highlights the need for better training, oversight, and discipline within the ranks of law enforcement officers, particularly regarding the storage and handling of deadly weapons in environments accessible to children.

As the investigation unfolds, the Nigerian public waits with heavy hearts, hoping that this painful incident will not only lead to accountability but also serve as a catalyst for improved safety standards across all levels of policing.