Former President Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura with Full State Honours

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been laid to rest at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, following solemn funeral prayers and a private interment ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The late president’s final journey began on Tuesday afternoon, when his body arrived from London aboard a presidential aircraft at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. A large convoy, led by President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied the remains on the hour-long drive to Daura, where thousands of mourners lined the streets to pay their last respects.

Among those present to honor the late leader were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, several state governors, and top business and political figures from across the country and West Africa.

Upon arrival in Daura, a brief lying-in-state ceremony was held at Buhari’s residence. This was followed by the traditional Islamic funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah), led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, the Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura. At exactly 5:50 p.m., the former president was laid to rest in a private section of his home compound, surrounded by close family members, friends, and top government officials.

The state funeral was marked with full military honors, including a reveille, ceremonial guard of honor, and a 21-gun salute in line with his status as a former Head of State.

A week-long programme of mourning and remembrance will continue later on Tuesday, with an official condolence visit to President Buhari’s family by the Presidential Funeral Committee.

President Tinubu, in his brief remarks at the graveside, described Buhari as “a man of quiet strength, deep conviction, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project,” adding that “his contributions to the nation will echo through history.”

The late president, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023, had also held office as military Head of State between 1983 and 1985. His death last week in a top London medical facility sparked mixed reactions nationwide, reflecting both the complexity and impact of his legacy.