Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following a solemn state burial attended by Nigerian leaders and international dignitaries.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, was buried according to Islamic rites after funeral prayers held in Daura in the afternoon.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the federal government delegation to the burial. Also in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, several state governors, and top government officials. Foreign leaders including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, were also present at the rites.
The casket bearing Buhari’s remains, draped in the national flag, arrived earlier at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where it was received by President Tinubu. It was then transported to Daura under tight security and military escort.
A 21-gun salute was fired by a joint military team as part of the final honours before the former president was interred at his private residence in Daura.
Buhari, who first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1984 to 1985, returned to power through the ballot in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019. His tenure was defined by an aggressive anti-corruption stance, efforts at infrastructural development, and challenges in managing national security and economic stability.
In his honour, national flags have been flying at half-mast across the country since Monday, following a directive from President Tinubu. The National Assembly has also suspended all legislative activities until July 22 to mourn the late statesman.
