The police command in Anambra says a police inspector, Amechi Okolie, has allegedly been killed by his 10-year-old son and injured another son with an AK-47 rifle while on duty in Awka.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Monday in Awka that the killing occurred by an accidental discharge of the weapon.

According to the statement, a police officer was killed while his young son was injured after his 10-year-old son allegedly shot them in Anambra.

Mr Ikenga explained that Mr Okolie was fatally shot by his son accidentally while the inspector was on duty at a bank in Awka, the state capital.

“The incident occurred about 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, while the officer was on duty at the bank, located along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street in Awka, when his sons paid him a visit at work,” Mr Ikenga said.

He said the 10-year-old son (names withheld) was allegedly playing with the weapon and had no idea it operated when he pulled the trigger from behind his father and fatally hit him in the spine.

Mr Ikenga said the bullet also struck his youngest brother, Emmanuel, aged 6, who was injured in the back and right hand.

He said that the victims were immediately taken to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, Awka, where Emmanuel is currently responding to treatment.

“Sadly, the officer was pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.

The police spokesman said that the weapon had been retrieved and secured while the case had been brought before the Central Police Station (CPS) in Awka for investigation.

Meanwhile, the command said it had condoled with the family of late Mr Okolie over the tragic incident  and wished the second victim a quick recovery. 

(NAN)