Ex-President, Buhari Buried In Daura Amid Tears

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday in a solemn and deeply symbolic ceremony attended by Nigeria’s top leadership and dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

The burial, conducted in line with Islamic rites, brought to a close several days of national mourning for a man who served as both military Head of State and a two-term civilian President, leaving behind a legacy that has sparked reflection, debate, and emotion across the nation.

The funeral prayer (Janazah) was led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, the Imam of Daura Central Mosque, and took place at 5:50pm at the late President’s private residence.

Following the prayer, Buhari’s body was carried by Army Generals and Service Chiefs to his final resting place. A 21-gun salute rang out—a final military honour for the man who once led Nigeria’s armed forces as Commander-in-Chief.

The body of the former president, who passed away in a London clinic on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, arrived earlier on Tuesday aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

Accompanying the remains were Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials. The aircraft touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where they were received by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries.

From the airport, the casket—draped in Nigeria’s green and white colours—was airlifted by helicopter to Daura, where thousands lined the streets, waving, weeping, and whispering prayers as they caught a final glimpse of their revered son.

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The interment was held in Buhari’s compound and attended by family members, close allies, senior government officials, and Islamic clerics. The crowd was intentionally limited to ensure privacy, but the emotion outside the gates was unmistakable.

“It’s a sad day for Daura and the entire nation,” said Ismaila Ibrahim, a neighbour and long-time acquaintance of the former president. “He was humble and disciplined till the end. For over 50 years, we lived peacefully together here in Daura.”

President Tinubu led a high-powered delegation of political and military leaders to pay their final respects. Also in attendance were state governors, ministers, former Heads of State, traditional rulers, and several retired generals who served alongside Buhari at various points in his military and civilian careers.

The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday, to allow Nigerians, particularly from the North-West region, to participate in or follow the funeral proceedings.

The atmosphere in Daura was sombre and reflective. Markets and shops operated quietly, and locals moved about with subdued expressions, many dressed in black or white traditional garments. Security was tight, but calm prevailed.

Residents, many of whom had known Buhari for decades, gathered in groups to share memories of his life and leadership.

“Baba may have ruled Nigeria, but he never left Daura behind. He kept his roots,” said Abdullahi Musa, a community leader.

Messages of condolence continued to flood in from world leaders, former presidents, and prominent Nigerians, many describing Buhari as a patriot, a man of discipline, and a leader who lived a spartan life in the service of his country.

The United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS also sent messages of condolence to the Nigerian government, acknowledging Buhari’s contributions to regional stability and governance.

As final prayers were whispered and the earth was gently laid over his grave, the nation drew a collective breath, reflecting on the life and times of a leader who shaped Nigeria’s story for over five decades.

While opinions on his policies and leadership remain varied, Muhammadu Buhari’s death marks the end of an era, one that began in khaki, transitioned into democracy, and ended in quiet dignity in the town where it all started.