AN OFFICER of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) serving in the Federal Capital Territory, Abdulwahab Magaji, has reportedly shot himself dead in Kano.
This newspaper gathered that Magaji killed himself with a pump-action rifle to his mouth at his residence located at Binta Street, Farm Centre, Kano.
It was also said that Magaji’s family lodged a report about his tragic death to the police, prompting the officers flooding the scene of the incident.
A family source was quoted as saying when the police arrived at the scene, the victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The source said, “A family of the deceased had raised the alarm that CSC Abdulahi Abdulwahab Magaji, a customs officer serving in Abuja, shot himself in his house at Farm Centre with a pump-action rifle.
“Police officers dashed to the scene of the incident and took the victim to the hospital, where he was certified dead by the doctor on duty.”
The source added that the body of the deceased had been handed over to the family for burial, according to Islamic rites.
Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the case has not been officially confirmed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, as efforts to speak with her were futile as of the time of filing this report.
Speaking about Magaji’s demise, a friend named Lawan Al-Amin Mohammed, described him as a pillar of strength, source of comfort and guiding light during his lifetime.
Mohammed paid tribute to the late Magaji for his outstanding character and great integrity, adding that he lived a life of purpose.
He wrote, “But beyond his infectious laughter and boundless optimism, Abdul possessed a rare depth of character and integrity that set him apart. He lived his life with purpose and passion, guided by principles of honesty, compassion and empathy.
“He was more than just a friend; Abdul was a brother, a pillar of strength, a source of comfort and a guiding light in times of darkness. His unwavering support and unconditional love lifted me up when I stumbled, reminding me that I was never alone in my struggles. In his absence, I’m left with a profound sense of loss, a void that can never be filled.
“But as we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the countless lives he touched along the way.
“Abdul’s spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear and the lives he forever changed. Let us honour his legacy by embracing the values he held dear and striving to live our lives with the same grace, dignity, and compassion.”
The act of the uniform men killing themselves has become rampant which might not be unconnected to depression.
Early this year, a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving with the Force Criminal and Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos State, Gbolahan Oyedemi, on Monday, reportedly committed suicide in his private house in his hometown, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Oyedemi was the Aide de Camp to the late former Governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala, during his 11-month tenure as defacto governor in 2006.
A source close to the family had told our correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, that Oyedemi, who normally visited his hometown during the Easter celebrations, told his aides at the weekend to go to their various towns to celebrate with their family members.
The source said, “Yes, he committed suicide. His body was found hanging in his house yesterday (Monday). He stays alone, and he normally comes home for Easter celebrations.