Former President Muhammadu Buhari was buried on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a ceremony that was attended by national and international dignitaries.
The late president, who died in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
His burial marked the conclusion of a nationwide mourning period for a man who once led Nigeria as military ruler with iron fist and later as a democratically elected president.
His remains arrived earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima who was dispatched by president Bola Tinubu to London to bring back the corpse.
President Tinubu who flew into Katsina through the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport received the corpse —draped in Nigeria’s national colours— and was airlifted by helicopter to Daura, where thousands lined the streets for a final glimpse of their native son.
The burial prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Katsina State and took place at 5:50 p.m., followed by a 21-gun salute rendered by Army Generals and Service Chiefs, who also carried the body to its final resting place.
In Daura, a deep sense of loss hung over the community as residents, family members, and sympathisers flooded the ancient town.
Despite tight security, people continued to gather in large numbers to honour Buhari’s memory.
Local activities slowed as the town observed the funeral with solemn respect.
A public holiday was declared nationwide to allow citizens to pay their respects. In the North-West region especially, many participated in or observed the state burial ceremony.
“He was humble and disciplined till the end,” said Ismaila Ibrahim, a neighbour of the late president. “We lived peacefully together here for more than 50 years.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the world, with leaders praising Buhari’s dedication, patriotism, and decades of service to Nigeria.
As the final prayers were said and the earth closed over his grave, Nigeria bid farewell to a leader whose legacy will remain mixed in the minds of many Nigerians.
