Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a solemn ceremony attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and an array of local and international dignitaries.
The funeral followed the return of President Buhari’s remains from London earlier in the day, arriving at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. From there, his body was escorted on a dignified hour-long procession to Daura, with crowds lining the streets to pay their last respects to the country’s former leader.
Leading the high-level delegation was President Tinubu, accompanied by Guinea-Bissau President Umaru Sissoco Embaló, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, and prominent business leaders.
Upon arrival at the late President’s residence, a brief lying-in-state ceremony was held before funeral prayers (Salatul Janazah) were led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura. The final interment took place at 5:50 p.m., witnessed by President Tinubu, members of the Buhari family, and close associates.
The state funeral was conducted with full military honours, including a reveille and a 21-gun salute—symbolic tributes reserved for a national hero. The country mourned the loss of a leader who served both as military Head of State and civilian President.
A week-long programme of remembrance events is set to follow, beginning with an official condolence visit by the Presidential Committee to President Buhari’s family later on Tuesday.
President Buhari led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. His burial in Daura marks the end of an era.
Melissa Enoch
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