Nigeria on Tuesday bid a final farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari as his remains were buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, amid national mourning and tributes from across the globe.
The late president, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness, was interred in accordance with Islamic customs during a solemn ceremony that drew top government officials, military leaders, and a large number of citizens.
The burial prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Katsina, took place at 5:50 p.m., after which Buhari’s body was lowered into the ground. In a show of military honour, top-ranking officers including Army Generals and Service Chiefs carried his casket to the gravesite, followed by a ceremonial 21-gun salute in recognition of his service to the nation.
Buhari’s body had arrived earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior officials. President Bola Tinubu was present at the airport to receive the remains, alongside governors, ministers, and other dignitaries.
The casket, wrapped in Nigeria’s national colours, was then airlifted by helicopter to Daura, where large crowds lined the streets to witness the final journey of the town’s most revered son.
In Daura, emotions ran high as thousands of residents, supporters, and sympathisers gathered to pay their last respects. Commercial activities were subdued, and the mood in the ancient town was reflective, marked by sorrow and admiration.
A resident and longtime neighbour, Ismaila Ibrahim, described Buhari as a man of discipline and humility. “We lived side by side for over 50 years. He remained simple and respectful until the very end,” he said.
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late president, giving Nigerians the opportunity to mourn and participate in the funeral proceedings.
Tributes from across Nigeria and the international community have continued to pour in, with many remembering Buhari as a leader known for his integrity, austere lifestyle, and steadfast commitment to public service. He served Nigeria both as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
Close relatives and friends received visitors in Daura, where condolences and prayers continued long after the final rites were performed.
As the sun set over Daura and the final handful of earth was placed over the grave, the nation reflected on the legacy of a man whose leadership, though sometimes controversial, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.
