A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded in Orhoakpo community of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a young boy accidentally shot and killed his sister after gaining access to their father’s loaded hunting rifle.
According to *The People’s Insight*, the devastating incident came to light after it was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by police spokesperson Bright Edafe (@Brightgoldenboy). The post has since sparked widespread outrage and raised fresh concerns about firearm safety and parental negligence in Nigeria.
In a video statement, Officer Edafe revealed that the boy had been playing with his father’s long-range single-barrel gun, which was left unsecured and loaded. Tragically, the weapon discharged during the child’s play, fatally hitting his sister.
ATTENTION: Click Here to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!l
“This long-range single-barrel gun belongs to the father of one of the suspects. The father is the suspect because his carelessness is the reason we’re here today,” the officer said.
The father, during questioning, admitted that the gun was an heirloom passed down from his own father and that he used it for hunting. He claimed he was unaware that his son had previously been playing with the weapon.
“The gun na my father gun, na hunt I dey use am dey do,” he stated in Pidgin English.
Public reaction has been swift and fierce, with many social media users calling for legal action against the father for negligence.
Here are some reactions:
– @bliss73684: “Won’t the father be arrested for the carelessness that led to his child’s death, or am I overreacting?”
– @REGINA823417: “This is so sad. Why would the father leave a bullet inside the gun? He’s still at fault.”
– @eweje\_kolade: “Why was a loaded gun kept at home? That’s gross negligence. He should be prosecuted.”
– @ejyvik: “The father knew the boy was playing with the gun but still didn’t secure it. That’s not parenting, that’s endangerment.”
– @larryumolo: “The number of careless fathers is on the rise. No wonder we lack responsible leadership in this country.”
– @InemaHarry: “This is a clear case of wrongful death. Can the police sue the father for criminal negligence?”
The police have launched an investigation, and legal experts say the father could face prosecution under Nigeria’s firearm safety laws. Meanwhile, the family—and the nation—mourns the avoidable loss of a young girl whose life was cut short by a tragic act of carelessness.
About the Author
