Thousands gathered in the northern Nigerian town of Daura on Tuesday to pay their final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari, remembered for his integrity and deep connection to his people.
Buhari, who died aged 82 after an illness, was brought home aboard a Nigerian Air Force flight escorted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The aircraft landed at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina around 2 p.m., where President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dikko Radda and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led a delegation of senior officials to receive the late leader’s body.
After a brief military farewell ceremony, Buhari’s remains were transported by road to Daura, about 88 kilometres away. The funeral prayer was held at the Daura Helipad after 4 p.m., led by Imam Hassan Yusuf, with regional and national dignitaries in attendance.
Among those who travelled to pay their respects were Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, members of the National Assembly, and traditional rulers including the Emirs of Daura and Katsina.
Prominent business leaders, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, also attended the funeral, which concluded with Buhari being buried at his private residence.
Residents interviewed after the burial spoke warmly of Buhari’s legacy. “He was a great man who loved staying with his people and offering help where he could,” said local resident Salisu Lawal. Another mourner, Aliyu Nasiru, described his death as a “great loss not only to his family but to the nation,” adding that his values and discipline would remain an inspiration.
Prayers were offered for his soul to rest peacefully in Al-Jannah Firdaus, marking the end of an era for a leader seen by many as an emblem of integrity and simplicity.
