Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura After Full Islamic and State Rites
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been laid to rest in Daura, Katsina State , after full Islamic funeral rites and a solemn state burial attended by top Nigerian and African dignitaries.
His remains were interred around 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday in the courtyard of his private home—fulfilling his wish to be buried in his birthplace rather than a public cemetery or national monument.
Before burial, gun salutes honored him as former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, with the citation read by Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa .
Top Leaders Attend Final Farewell
The funeral drew high-level attendees, including:
- President Bola Tinubu
- Vice President Kashim Shettima
- Former President Yemi Osinbajo
- President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
- Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger
- Former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou
Also present were:
- Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen
- Several state governors , including those from Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Gombe, Borno, Zamfara, and Kano
- Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina , who hosted the event
Former ministers and aides who served under Buhari also came to pay their final respects.
Tinubu Receives Remains Before Burial
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu received Buhari’s remains upon arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina , at about 1:51 p.m.
He arrived at the airport at 1:42 p.m. and reviewed a military guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet landed.
Buhari’s coffin, wrapped in the green-white-green Nigerian flag , was carried off the plane by military pallbearers and escorted in a formal procession to the waiting military hearse .
A Final Return to His Roots
Buhari, who died in London on Sunday, July 13 , at age 82 , lived a life of service to the nation.
He first led Nigeria as Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 , then returned as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023 .
His burial in Daura marks a full-circle moment—returning him to the place where it all began.
“This is more than just a burial—it’s a return to legacy,” said one mourner.
Nation Mourns As Era Ends
As flags flew at half-mast across Nigeria, citizens reflected on Buhari’s leadership.
Some praised his discipline , anti-corruption stance , and security reforms .
Others pointed to economic challenges during his tenure.
But today, many agree: this is a time for mourning, not debate.
“We may have had differences, but we must honor a man who gave his life to public service,” said a political analyst.
The National Assembly suspended plenary until July 22 , while a seven-day mourning period continues nationwide.
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