The sudden death of a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Lumi Elisha Gwamis, has plunged residents of Boi District in Bogoro Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State into mourning, amid differing accounts surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Gwamis, the eldest son of a former Chairman of Bogoro LGA, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, reportedly died after what some community members described as a period of ill health, anxiety and emotional distress.

The development has sparked speculation within parts of the community about the cause of his death. 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 passing.

“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,” Elisha Tula Gwamis said.

The death has continued to draw reactions from residents and sympathisers across Bogoro LGA, many of whom described the loss as tragic and painful.

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, with a burial service expected to take place in Boi.

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 took his own life.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abdullahi, said there was no official information to support such claims.

According to him, Gwamis had recently reported to the unit following 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.

He added that the command only became aware of the officer’s death after being informed by his father, stressing that the service could only rely on verified information 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. (Daily Trust)