The sudden death of a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lumi Elisha Gwamis, has thrown residents of Boi District in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State into mourning.
Gwamis, who was the eldest son of a former Chairman of Bogoro LGA, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, died at the age of 44.
Naijaonpoint understands that his death has generated reactions in parts of the community, with some residents giving different accounts of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, no official authority has confirmed the claims being circulated, while the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.
During a condolence visit on Monday, the deceased’s father, Elisha Tula Gwamis, said the family was shocked by the development.
He described his son as healthy and active before his death, adding that the news came to the family as a painful surprise.
“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,” he said.
The death has continued to attract sympathisers from within and outside Bogoro LGA, many of whom described the loss as tragic and painful.
Funeral arrangements have been fixed for Wednesday, June 10, with a burial service expected to take place in Boi.
Gwamis is survived by his parents, Mrs Saratu Elisha Gwamis and Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, as well as his siblings.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi, has dismissed rumours circulating in some quarters over the cause of the officer’s death.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abdullahi, said there was no official information to support claims that the officer died by suicide.
Abdullahi said the command was relying on information received from the family and would not act on speculation.
According to him, Gwamis had only recently reported to the unit after his transfer from Tin Can Island Port before proceeding on his 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 Customs spokesperson added that the officer had not fully resumed duties at the Bauchi unit before his death.
He said the command became aware of the incident after it was informed by the deceased’s father.
“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.
Before his death, Gwamis served as a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.
His passing has left family members, colleagues and residents of Boi District grieving, as they await his burial on Wednesday.
