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, Lumi Elisha Gwamis.
Gwamis, 44, was the eldest son of former Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis. His passing has sparked widespread grief among family members, friends, and residents of the community.
Reports circulating within the area have linked the officer's death to alleged mental health challenges, with speculation emerging over the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions while facts remain unconfirmed.
Speaking during a condolence visit on Monday, the deceased's father described the loss as sudden and devastating.
According to him, the family was unaware of any immediate concerns that would have suggested such a tragic outcome.
"My son was healthy and in good condition. None of us anticipated what happened. We only received the news later, and it has been a painful experience for the entire family," he said.
The death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy across Bogoro Local Government Area, with residents describing the late officer as a respected member of the community whose passing has left many in shock.
Family members announced that funeral rites for the deceased are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10, in Boi District following a church service.
He is survived by his parents and several siblings.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone D, Bauchi, has dismissed claims that the officer died by suicide, stating that it has not received any official information supporting such reports.
The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Umar Abdullahi, explained that the service was informed only that the officer had been unwell prior to his death.
According to Abdullahi, Gwamis had recently been transferred from Tin Can Island Port to Bauchi and had reported to the unit before proceeding on approved annual leave.
He noted that the officer was accompanied by his father during the documentation process and had indicated plans to resume duty after his leave period.
"The information available to us is that he was ill. We were informed of his death by his father, and there was no indication that he took his own life. As an institution, we rely on verified information rather than speculation," Abdullahi stated.
He added that the late officer had not yet commenced active duties at the Bauchi command before proceeding on leave.
The exact circumstances surrounding Gwamis' death remain unclear, with no official cause announced as of the time of this report.