A solemn and historic ceremony attended by presidents, dignitaries, and citizens from across the continent, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his ancestral hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Monday.
The late elder statesman, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic, was buried according to Islamic rites at his family compound after a brief funeral prayer held at the Daura Central Mosque.
The event drew an outpouring of emotion as world leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, state governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and thousands of Nigerians converged on Daura to pay their final respects to a man widely regarded as the symbol of integrity in Nigerian politics.
President Tinubu, in his tribute, described Buhari as “a towering figure of discipline and service,” who devoted his entire life to the unity and progress of Nigeria. “His legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and incorruptibility will continue to inspire generations,” Tinubu said.
Security was tight across Katsina State as law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), deployed thousands of personnel to ensure a hitch-free event.
Buhari, a retired Major General and former Head of State (1983–1985), returned to power in 2015 as a democratically elected president and served two terms until 2023. His tenure was marked by a fierce anti-corruption campaign, infrastructure projects, and a determined – though controversial – fight against insurgency.
Emotions ran high in Daura, as locals remembered the former president not just as a national icon but as a humble son of the soil. Prayers were offered for his soul in mosques across the country, and flags flew at half-mast as Nigeria entered a period of national mourning.
The Federal Government had earlier declared a three-day mourning period, with tributes pouring in from the African Union, ECOWAS, world leaders, and Nigerian citizens both home and abroad.
As the sun set over Daura, the nation bade farewell to a man who lived simply, spoke truthfully, and left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
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