KATSINA, Nigeria – Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State, with full military honours and Islamic funeral rites, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent statesmen. The burial drew an unprecedented outpouring of tributes and attendance from Nigeria’s political, military, diplomatic and business elite.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the Federal Government delegation, receiving the late President’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport shortly after its arrival from London aboard the Presidential Aircraft. Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine and former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou joined him at the solemn reception.
The Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, conducted the Janazah prayer attended by thousands of mourners, including traditional rulers, governors, ministers, former presidents and dignitaries. Among them were President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar.
Also in attendance were National Assembly leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Governors from 22 states were present, alongside top military commanders, service chiefs, former ministers, and business magnates like Aliko Dangote and Sayyu Dantata.
Buhari’s casket, draped in the green and white of the national flag, was carried by a team of senior military officers in a slow ceremonial march as a military band played the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” A 21-gun salute was fired to honour the departed statesman. The pallbearers included nine top-ranking generals from the Army, Navy and Air Force, coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu.
The military hearse departed Katsina at 3 p.m. for the one-hour journey to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where his remains were finally laid to rest at 5:50 p.m. in his residence following Islamic funeral rites. Tens of thousands of Nigerians lined the route, waving and praying as the cortege passed by.
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, July 15, a national public holiday in honour of the late President. According to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, over 130 aircraft movements were recorded at the Katsina Airport in the 24 hours leading to the funeral, reflecting the scale of national interest.
Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. He served Nigeria as a military Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and later returned as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
Tributes have poured in from across the world. Former ministers who served in his administration described Buhari as a leader of integrity, simplicity and fairness.
Dr Rabi’atu Aliyu, ex-Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, described Buhari as “a detribalised, humble and honest father figure who appointed based on merit.” Sadiya Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, wrote that “a father and mentor has departed, a patriot who upheld discipline and gave opportunities selflessly.”
In Daura, emotions ran high as residents mourned the loss of their most distinguished son. Shops remained open but sombre, while prayers echoed from mosques and homes.
As Nigeria closes a chapter in its democratic history, the nation remembers Muhammadu Buhari as a man of few words but great convictions. A leader who inspired discipline and sacrifice, his legacy will long remain etched in Nigeria’s national memory.
