Nigeria Bids Farewell as Former President Muhammadu Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura
Nigeria, on Tuesday, laid to rest one of its most iconic leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday afternoon, aged 82 at a London clinic. After a solemn state funeral, his remains were finally interred in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The late President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, was eulogized by national leaders and global dignitaries as a man of uncommon discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
The state funeral, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, as well as former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, featured prayers, military honors, and tributes that echoed across the political spectrum.
Other dignitaries present include former governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party among others.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a nationalist whose unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, security, and anti-corruption war has left a lasting imprint on the nation’s conscience.”
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The body of the late president was flown to Katsina aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet from London this afternoon. On arrival in Daura, it was received by a crowd of mourners, including traditional rulers, political associates, and ordinary Nigerians who gathered to pay their final respects.
The burial ceremony was conducted at the residence of the late President and attended by the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, who praised Buhari’s lifetime of service to the emirate, Katsina State, and the nation at large.
As the funeral prayer concluded and the earth covered the casket, there were solemn reflections and tears across Daura. Residents expressed both grief and pride for a man many regarded as a symbol of northern pride and national renewal.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari spent his life in service to Nigeria, rising through the military ranks and later championing democratic ideals. His administration was marked by key reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, and the fight against insurgency and corruption, despite facing stiff criticisms and complex challenges.
Flags flew at half-mast across the country as the nation entered an official period of mourning. Condolences have continued to pour in from global communities including European Union, African Union, United States, United Kingdom etc.
In a tribute statement, the African Union described Buhari as “a pan-African elder statesman whose leadership inspired reforms far beyond Nigeria’s borders.”
As Daura settles into quiet mourning, Nigerians from all walks of life reflect on the legacy of a man who, despite controversies and imperfections, remained steadfast in his belief in Nigeria’s promise and unity.
With his burial, Muhammadu Buhari’s chapter on earth may have closed, but his story will long remain a significant part of Nigeria’s political and historical landscape.
By PRNigeria
