A senior customs officer has died in Bauchi State, leaving his community in shock and mourning. Lumi Elisha Gwamis, 44, passed away after a period of illness.
Gwamis was the eldest son of Hon. Elisha Tula Gwamis, a former chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area.
He lived in Boi District within the same LGA.
Some community members say he suffered from poor health and emotional distress before his death. But no official body has confirmed the exact cause or circumstances.
His father visited on Monday to pay respects. "My son was healthy and hearty," Elisha Tula Gwamis told those present at the gathering.
The elder added: "None of us knew what would happen. We received the sad news later, and it is very unfortunate."
Residents across Bogoro LGA have expressed deep sadness about the loss. Many described it as tragic and painful for the family and community.
Gwamis leaves behind his parents, Mrs. Saratu Elisha Gwamis and Hon.
Elisha Tula Gwamis. His siblings also survive him.
His funeral service is set for Wednesday, June 10, in Boi. A burial will follow on the same day.
Before his death, Gwamis worked as a senior officer with the Nigeria Customs Service. He'd recently transferred from Tin Can Island Port to Bauchi.
Whispers in the community have suggested he may have taken his own life. The customs service has firmly rejected such claims.
Umar Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of Customs Federal Operations Unit Zone D in Bauchi, addressed the rumours. "We have no official information supporting such suggestions," he told reporters.
According to Abdullahi, Gwamis reported to the unit after his transfer. He then proceeded on his annual leave as entitled.
"His father came with him to process the necessary documents," Abdullahi noted. "After that, he went on leave."
Abdullahi stated the command learnt of the death only when informed by the family. "We cannot confirm anything beyond what his family communicated to us," he said.
He stressed that the service prefers verified facts to speculation. "The officer hadn't fully resumed work here before taking leave," he explained.
Abdullahi added that without official confirmation from medical or other authorities, the customs service cannot make public pronouncements about the cause. The family's account remains the most reliable source available to them.
