Customs officer dies in Bauchi under unclear circumstances
Nigeria Customs Service Officer’s Death Sparks Mourning in Bauchi State
Residents of Boi District in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State are mourning the death of Mr. Lumi Elisha Gwamis, a senior officer with the Nigeria Customs Service, who passed away at the age of 44.
Gwamis, the eldest son of former Bogoro LGA executive chairman Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, was reportedly struggling with depression and anxiety before his passing. Some community members have speculated that he may have died by suicide.
During a condolence visit on Monday, Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis expressed his shock and grief. “My son, Lumi, was healthy and hearty. None of us was aware of what he was about to do,” he said. “It is very unfortunate, and all of us are full of sorrow.”
The officer’s death has elicited widespread expressions of grief from residents and sympathizers, who have characterized the incident as tragic. Gwamis is scheduled to be buried on Wednesday, June 10, following a funeral service in Boi. He is survived by his father, his mother, Mrs. Saratu Elisha Gwamis, and several siblings.
In a statement addressing the speculation surrounding his death, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed claims that Gwamis died by suicide. Umar Abdullahi, the unit’s public relations officer, stated that the service had not received any credible information supporting that narrative.
“The father of the deceased informed us that he was sick. He was newly posted to our unit from the Tin Can Island Port and had taken annual leave,” Abdullahi said. “We cannot confirm that he took his own life, as the father did not mention this to us.”
Abdullahi indicated that the circumstances surrounding Gwamis’ death remain unclear as of this reporting.
