THE sudden death of a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Lumi Elisha Gwamis, has thrown residents of Boi District in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State into mourning, amid differing accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding his passing.
News Point Nigeria reports that Gwamis, the eldest son of former Bogoro Local Government Chairman, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, reportedly died after what some members of the community described as a period of ill health, anxiety and emotional distress.
His death has generated widespread reactions within the community and sparked speculation in some quarters about its cause. However, no official authority has confirmed such claims, and the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
During a condolence visit on Monday, his father expressed shock over the incident, describing his son as healthy and active before his death.
“My son, Lumi, was healthy and hearty. None of us knew what was going to happen. We only received the sad news later. It is very unfortunate, and we are deeply sorrowful,” Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis said.
The late officer’s passing has continued to attract condolences from residents, friends and sympathisers across Bogoro Local Government Area, many of whom described the loss as tragic and painful.
Funeral arrangements have been fixed for Wednesday, June 10, with a burial service scheduled to take place in Boi District.
Gwamis died at the age of 44.
He is survived by his parents, Mrs. Saratu Elisha Gwamis and Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, as well as his siblings.
Before his death, he served as a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D, Bauchi, has dismissed suggestions circulating in some quarters that the officer died by suicide.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abdullahi, said there was no official information available to support such claims.
According to Abdullahi, Gwamis had recently reported to the unit after being transferred from Tin Can Island Port before proceeding on his approved annual leave.
“What we were told by the father was that he was sick. He came with him to the office to process documentation after his transfer. He later proceeded on annual leave, which he was entitled to,” Abdullahi said.
The spokesperson explained that the command only became aware of the officer’s death after receiving information from his father and stressed that the service would rely solely on verified facts rather than speculation.
“The officer had not fully resumed duties here. He only reported and went on leave. We cannot confirm anything beyond what the family has communicated to us,” he added.