Nigeria has laid to rest one of its most prominent political figures, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a solemn ceremony filled with tributes, tears, and military honors.
The late president, who passed away in a London clinic on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 after a long illness, was buried at his family compound in Daura on Tuesday, July 15, at around 6:00 PM.
Burial Rites and Military Honors
Islamic prayers led by the Chief Imam of Daura commenced at 4:56 PM, shortly after the arrival of Buhari’s remains at Katsina airport around 2:07 PM. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also arrived earlier, led a high-powered federal delegation to the ceremony. Among them were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, alongside members of the late president’s family.
A team of senior military officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force reverently carried the flag-draped coffin as a military band played the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” The procession, conducted with full ceremonial precision, included a 21-gun salute and a guard of honor by 96 soldiers.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The final rites in Daura attracted an impressive roll call of local and international dignitaries, including:
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic
Former Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar
State governors, ministers, and prominent traditional rulers including the Emir of Daura, Emir of Katsina, and other Northern leaders
First Lady Remi Tinubu
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and
Several former governors and national figures including Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Kayode Fayemi.
Nation Mourns, Legacy Remembered
As the country mourned, the Federal Government declared July 15 a public holiday in his honor. Prominent Nigerians, including former IGP Mike Okiro, hailed Buhari’s lifelong commitment to national unity and discipline. Others called for a national monument to be named after him.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for his firm leadership style, anti-corruption stance, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s infrastructure and defense sector.
