Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in London on July 13, at the age of 82. The late president was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, with a funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) held at 2:00 p.m., shortly after his remains arrived from the United Kingdom at noon.
Solemn Farewell in Daura
The peaceful town of Daura bore witness to an emotional and historic farewell, as thousands gathered to pay their last respects to the former leader. The funeral ceremony was heavily secured by military and police personnel to ensure smooth proceedings as dignitaries and citizens poured into the town.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the Nigerian delegation receiving the late president’s body at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport. He was accompanied by former First Lady Aisha Buhari and other senior officials. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the delegation from London, joined governors, traditional rulers, and political leaders in the somber event.
Nation in Mourning
In honor of the late president, Daura declared a local public holiday, shutting down schools and public institutions. While some businesses remained open, the town largely came to a standstill. President Tinubu also ordered national flags flown at half-mast for seven days and declared a two-day suspension of work in parts of Katsina State.
Tributes Across the Nation and Beyond
Tributes to Buhari’s legacy poured in from across Nigeria and abroad. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described Buhari as a man of “integrity, discipline, and patriotism,” calling his death a “monumental national loss.”
Other notable voices included Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, and the Nigeria Customs Service, all of whom praised Buhari’s modest lifestyle and commitment to reform. Former military president General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged their past differences but commended Buhari’s sincerity and love for Nigeria.
International condolences also came in, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting Buhari’s role in strengthening Nigeria–India relations.
A Leader’s Final Journey
The state funeral marks the closing chapter in the life of one of Nigeria’s most influential and polarizing leaders. Buhari served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His tenure was defined by a strong anti-corruption stance, economic challenges, and calls for greater national unity.
As he was laid to rest among his people, the town of Daura stood in silent tribute to a man who shaped Nigeria’s modern political landscape—admired by many, contested by others, but ultimately remembered with deep national significance.
📌 Funeral Overview
Detail
Information
Date of Death
13 July 2025, in London, aged 82
Repatriation
Body returned to Nigeria on 15 July; flown to Katsina Airport
Burial Ceremony
Held at 2:00 p.m. in Daura, in line with Islamic rites
Key Attendees
President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, governors, military officials, traditional leaders, the public
National Context
State funeral, public holiday in Daura, nationwide mourning, security deployment
