Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
Buhari, 82, died around 4:30 pm local time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced through his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu has expressed his condolences directly to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari.
As part of official mourning, flags across Nigeria will be flown at half-staff. The president has also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late leader’s body home.
Buhari held a unique place in Nigerian history, having first led the country as a military ruler from January 1984 until August 1985, before returning decades later to serve two terms as an elected president from 2015 to 2023.
His passing marks the end of an era for a figure whose leadership left a lasting imprint on Africa’s most populous nation. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.
