Former President Muhammadu Buhari was buried on Tuesday evening in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, as Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most iconic and influential leaders.
The solemn ceremony, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, drew dignitaries from across the country and the international community. Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82, was laid to rest at 5:50 p.m. following a prayer session led by the Chief Imam of Katsina State.
A strong military presence was felt at the burial as service chiefs and army generals bore the late president’s body to its final resting place. A 21-gun salute was fired in his honour, signifying the nation’s last military tribute to the man who once served as both a Head of State and a civilian president.
Earlier in the day, his remains arrived in Nigeria aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior government officials. The aircraft landed at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where President Bola Tinubu received the body in a solemn guard of honour. The casket, draped in the national colours, was then airlifted to Daura.
Along the procession route, thousands of mourners lined the streets to pay their final respects to Buhari, who was regarded by many as a symbol of discipline, integrity and patriotism. Daura, his ancestral home, became the focal point of national mourning, as residents and sympathisers converged to witness the historic farewell.
Among those present were former heads of state, serving governors, ministers, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps. President Tinubu described the late leader as “a man of unwavering principles who placed the interest of the nation above personal ambition.”
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday a public holiday in honour of the former president, allowing Nigerians to participate in or observe the state burial proceedings. In Daura, despite tight security and a visibly emotional atmosphere, the day unfolded peacefully.
Local resident Ismaila Ibrahim described Buhari as a humble neighbour and respected elder. “For over 50 years, we lived peacefully together here in Daura. He never allowed power to change who he was,” he said.
Tributes continue to pour in from global leaders, international organisations and citizens, celebrating Buhari’s contributions to national development, anti-corruption efforts and democratic governance.
As prayers were concluded and the earth sealed his resting place, the nation mourned a leader who left behind a legacy of service, sacrifice and simplicity. Nigeria may have buried a man, but the impact of Muhammadu Buhari will live on in its history.
