Buhari laid to rest in Daura amid tears

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday evening in a solemn ceremony marked by emotion, military honours, and Islamic rites.

Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, was buried at his family compound in Daura around 6:00 p.m. His burial followed Islamic prayers conducted at 4:56 p.m. by the Chief Imam of Daura.

A military procession and graveside rites accompanied the ceremony. The late president’s casket, draped in the Nigerian green and white flag, was carried by a joint military pallbearer team of nine senior officers led by Major General Mike Alechenu. A 21-gun salute was performed in his honour.

Before the internment, Buhari’s remains arrived at the Katsina airport around 2:07 p.m., shortly after President Bola Tinubu landed. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and members of Buhari’s family were also part of the accompanying entourage.

President Tinubu led a solemn procession behind the casket trolley, joined by dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.

Prominent attendees included President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou. Also present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk, and Emir of Katsina, Abdulmuminin Kabir.

Other top figures at the funeral included former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former ministers Ali Pantami and Pauline Tallen, former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Ibikunle Amosun, Yahaya Bello, Aliyu Wamakko, Aminu Tambuwal, Aminu Masari, and Kayode Fayemi, among others.

The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late president.