Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries joined thousands of mourners to pay final respects.
The solemn event followed the arrival of his body from London on Tuesday afternoon at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina.
The remains of the former President were conveyed in a motorcade to Daura, where he was laid to rest amidst military honours and religious rites.
Tinubu, Shettima lead tributes
A brief lying-in-state ceremony was held at the former President’s residence in Daura.
Funeral prayers (Salatul Janazah) were offered, led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura.
The final interment took place at exactly 5:50 p.m., witnessed by President Tinubu and members of the late President’s immediate family.
Also in attendance were Guinea-Bissau President Umaru Sissoco Embaló, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors, and prominent business leaders, who all stood in honour as Buhari laid to rest.
Thousands pay final respects
Earlier, crowds had lined the streets of Daura, waving and reciting prayers as the motorcade made its way to the residence. Many mourners wept openly, waving farewell to the man who served as Nigeria’s Head of State in both military and civilian capacities.
The atmosphere was thick with emotion and reverence as citizens remembered the contributions of a leader whose legacy cut across decades.
The state funeral included full military honours, featuring a reveille and a 21-gun salute as part of the burial protocol, officially signalling that Buhari was laid to rest with national honour.
One-week mourning programme continues
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidential Committee will continue a week-long programme of mourning, starting with condolence visits to President Buhari’s family and associates.
As Buhari is laid to rest, the outpouring of national grief underscores the impact of his leadership across Nigeria’s political and security landscape. The presence of current and former leaders reflects a moment of unity and respect for a man whose influence will remain in the nation’s history long after his burial.
