By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has paid a condolence visit to the Police Mobile Force 29 Squadron in Amansea, Awka, over the recent death of one of its officers, Inspector Okolie Amechi, who tragically lost his life in an accidental discharge incident involving his 10-year-old son.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the condolence visit, which was paid on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, also served as a morale-boosting interaction with the officers at the base, as the CP personally met and interacted with the grieving family members and personnel of the Squadron.
Addressing the officers during the visit, CP Orutugu, who emotionally described the PMF as his alma mater, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to police operational protocols, especially while handling firearms. He charged the officers to remain disciplined, vigilant, and committed to their duties at all times, even in the face of internal grief or external pressures.
While encouraging the officers to uphold the ethics of the Force, the CP reminded them of the dangers inherent in negligence and carelessness, stressing that the tragic death of Inspector Amechi should serve as a painful but important lesson.
In a show of support and compassion, the CP also presented a welfare package to the family of the deceased officer and prayed for the quick recovery of the officer’s son who also sustained injuries in the unfortunate incident.
Responding on behalf of the officers, the Commander of the PMF 29 Squadron, ACP Nasiru Adamu Kaila, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the CP for the visit and his show of empathy. He pledged that his men would fully comply with all professional directives issued by the Commissioner and remain committed to the mission of securing Anambra State.
The CP was accompanied on the visit by three Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of the Administration, Investigation, and Operations departments, as well as some other senior officers of the Command.
Recall that Inspector Amechi died on Saturday, June 15, 2025, after his 10-year-old son reportedly fired a bullet from his rifle, unaware that the weapon was loaded. The bullet struck the Inspector from behind and also injured his second child. While Inspector Amechi was confirmed dead at the hospital, the second child is said to be responding to treatment. The rifle has since been recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.
