DAURA — The Buhari family has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and a broad spectrum of local and international dignitaries for the overwhelming support shown before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malam Mamman Daura, elder statesman and the most senior member of the Buhari family, spoke on behalf of the bereaved household in a heartfelt message issued from Daura, Katsina State, the ancestral hometown of the late Nigerian leader. He described the outpouring of grief and goodwill as both consoling and a great source of strength in this moment of national loss.
“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his personal support and leadership during this difficult time. His declaration of a public holiday in honor of the late President and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after Muhammadu Buhari are gestures that will remain etched in our hearts,” Daura stated.
He also acknowledged Vice President Kashim Shettima for traveling to the United Kingdom and later to Daura to pay his respects, along with several ministers who stood with the family throughout the mourning period. According to Daura, such gestures reinforced the family’s resilience and affirmed Buhari’s lasting legacy.
The family extended thanks to world leaders and dignitaries who demonstrated solidarity. These include King Charles III of the United Kingdom, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and his deputy, Amina Mohammed, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, and heads of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. Also acknowledged were messages of condolence from former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) and other former national leaders.
Malam Daura described the death of Buhari, who ruled Nigeria both as a military Head of State (1983–1985) and a democratically elected President (2015–2023), as a profound and painful loss. “Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable blow not only to the family but to the entire nation. However, the massive show of support has helped us find solace and courage,” he remarked.
Among those who received special appreciation were state governors from across the country. The Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, who hosted many visitors in Daura, and Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State were particularly noted. The family also recognized the presence and prayers of governors and dignitaries from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.
Former presidential candidates and leaders including Peter Obi, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe were also appreciated for their condolences. The Buhari family also expressed gratitude to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside members of both the National Assembly and various State Houses of Assembly.
Malam Daura further commended the contributions and presence of top government functionaries such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari. He thanked both former and serving cabinet ministers who participated in the burial rites and offered comforting words.
Also honored were prominent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as traditional leaders from across Nigeria and neighboring West African nations, many of whom sent personal representatives or attended in person.
“We cannot thank enough the religious leaders, both Islamic and Christian, and other faith-based organizations, community leaders, politicians of all affiliations, youth groups, women associations, civil society organizations, security and intelligence chiefs, and the media, for their immense support,” the statement continued.
He noted the large turnout in Daura as “both challenging and reassuring,” a testament to the late President’s enduring influence and the unity of Nigerians in times of sorrow.
The Buhari family ended the message by reiterating their deep appreciation to all individuals, groups, and institutions, both within and outside Nigeria—that mourned the loss of a man they described as “a patriot, father, and statesman who gave his all in service to the nation.”
The late Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in July 2025, was buried in accordance with Islamic rites in his hometown of Daura. His passing has continued to draw tributes from across the world, reflecting his global stature and influence as a former Nigerian leader.
