Residents of Boi District in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State have been thrown into mourning following the death of a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Lumi Elisha Gwamis, under circumstances that remain unclear, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Gwamis, 44, was the eldest son of Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, a former Executive Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area. His death has generated widespread sorrow among family members, friends, and residents of the community.
Reports circulating within the community alleged that the deceased may have been battling depression and anxiety before his death, with some residents speculating that he died by suicide. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Speaking during a condolence visit on Monday, his father, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, expressed shock over the tragic incident, stating that the family had no indication of what had happened.
“My son, Lumi, was in good health. We had no idea what he was planning. We only received the tragic news later. It is very unfortunate, and we are all grieving,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D, Bauchi, has dismissed reports suggesting that the officer took his own life.
The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Umar Abdullahi, told journalists that there was no official information linking the officer’s death to suicide.
According to Abdullahi, the deceased had recently been transferred from Tin Can Island Port to the Bauchi command and had only just completed documentation before proceeding on his annual leave.
“The father informed us that he was ill. He came to the office with his father to complete documentation after being posted to the unit. He then proceeded on his annual leave as entitled. Later, the father called to inform us of his death,” Abdullahi explained.
He added that the Customs Service would not rely on rumours or public speculation, stressing that the information available to the agency was that the officer had been unwell prior to his death.
“He had not yet commenced duties with us.
He only reported, completed the necessary formalities, and went on leave. At this point, we have no evidence to support claims that he died by suicide,” Abdullahi said.
As investigations and inquiries continue, the exact circumstances surrounding Gwamis’ death remain unknown.
The late Customs officer is scheduled to be laid to rest on Wednesday, June 10, following a funeral service in Boi, Bogoro Local Government Area.
He is survived by his parents, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis and Mrs. Saratu Elisha Gwamis, as well as several siblings.
