Former President Muhammadu Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura Amidst National Mourning

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were on Tuesday committed to mother earth in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following an elaborate military committal ceremony and Islamic burial rites.

The late president, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic on Sunday while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, was buried in accordance with Islamic traditions in his private residence—at his favourite resting spot within his compound.

The Janazah (funeral) prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Daura, with a large congregation of mourners in attendance, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, past and present government officials, political leaders, industrialists, and sympathisers from across the country.

A solemn and dignified military ceremony preceded the burial, with honour guards present to pay their final respects to the former Nigerian leader who served two terms as President between 2015 and 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on official engagements, dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to accompany the late president’s body back to Nigeria. Shettima was joined by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Buhari family during the return journey.

The late President Buhari’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian political history. A retired Major General and former military Head of State, Buhari first ruled Nigeria between 1983 and 1985 before returning to power through the ballot in 2015.

Tributes have continued to pour in from world leaders, African statesmen, and Nigerians from all walks of life, with many describing him as a leader who championed anti-corruption, security, and self-sufficiency during his time in office.

Further funeral ceremonies and national honours are expected in the coming days, as Nigeria continues to mourn one of its most prominent and polarising political figures.