The remains of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, were laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a solemn and emotional ceremony attended by dignitaries, military leaders, and thousands of grieving citizens.
The state burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, marked the end of a national period of mourning for a leader who served Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected President.
Buhari’s remains arrived in Katsina earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft from London, where he died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. The late president’s body was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior government officials, before being flown by helicopter to Daura.
Residents lined the streets of Katsina and Daura, eager for a final glimpse of their revered leader as his casket, draped in Nigeria’s national colours, made its way through the town.
At 5:50 p.m., after funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Katsina State, Buhari’s body was carried to its final resting place by Army Generals and Service Chiefs. In a display of military tradition, a 21-gun salute echoed across the Daura skyline as a final honour to the former Commander-in-Chief.
The funeral took place at Buhari’s private residence in Daura, attended by a select group of family members, close associates, Islamic clerics, and top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday in Buhari’s honour, allowing citizens across the country, especially in the North-West, to pay their final respects.
In Daura, a heavy yet reverent atmosphere prevailed as residents, relatives, and sympathisers gathered in large numbers. Commercial activities slowed down as the ancient town mourned its most illustrious son.
“He was humble and disciplined till the very end,” recalled Ismaila Ibrahim, a long-time neighbour in Daura. “For over 50 years, we lived peacefully together. His legacy will endure.”
Condolences from across the globe have continued to pour in, with world leaders and prominent Nigerians remembering Buhari as a patriot, a man of integrity, and a leader deeply committed to national service.
Family members, including Buhari’s daughter, expressed their heartbreak, receiving waves of sympathisers at the family compound.
As final prayers were said and the earth sealed his resting place, Nigeria united in mourning the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, a figure whose imprint on the nation’s history remains indelible.
