…Tinubu, Guinea-Bissau President, Niger PM, other dignitaries storm Katsina
…State honours, tight security as Osinbajo, Amaechi others bid farewell
…EU mourns ex-President, condoles with Nigerian Govt, citizens
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
In a solemn farewell steeped in national mourning and tributes, thousands of Nigerians gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to pay their final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London hospital following a brief illness.
His remains were flown into the country aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, which landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at exactly 1:51 p.m. He was buried later that evening at his private residence in Daura, following Islamic funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Hassan Yusuf.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who arrived at the airport from Abuja at 1:42 p.m., led the government delegation that received the casket. He was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine; former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou; and Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Buhari’s wife, Aisha Buhari, and other members of his family accompanied the casket from the United Kingdom.
A contingent of senior military officers, under the coordination of Major General Mike Alechenu, served as pallbearers during the slow ceremonial procession. The casket, draped in the national colours, was wheeled to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” before being placed in a military hearse.
The pallbearers included Major-General Mohammed Usman, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams, Major-General Shuaibu Nudu, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, Rear Admiral Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Admiral Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, and Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka.
The funeral procession continued to Daura, arriving at his residence at 4:33 p.m., where he was interred at approximately 5:50 p.m. following full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
Among the dignitaries present at the interment were President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, business magnate Aliko Dangote, and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo. Others included ex-governors, senators, ministers, and traditional rulers such as Rotimi Amaechi, Ahmad Lawan, Aminu Tambuwal, Kayode Fayemi, Ali Modu Sheriff, Yahaya Bello, Ali Isa Pantami, and Pauline Tallen.
Security measures were heightened throughout Katsina State, with a concentration in Daura. Roadblocks and aerial surveillance were implemented to manage the influx of mourners, while prayers were held across mosques in the Daura Emirate in honour of the late leader.
During a private condolence visit to the family, President Tinubu described Buhari’s passing as the “end of an era” and stated, “He served Nigeria twice, with conviction. We will honour his legacy by continuing the work of nation-building.”
The state burial was overseen by a federal committee chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. In line with national mourning protocols, the Nigerian flag was flown at half-mast across all public buildings.
Buhari’s death has attracted tributes from world leaders and international organisations. The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS described him as “a statesman who embodied Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and multilateral cooperation.”
In a statement signed by Ambassador Samuela Isopi and shared via @EUinNigeria, the delegation praised Buhari’s dedication to international diplomacy and added, “His legacy will continue to inspire a future built on peace, justice and cooperation.”
Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Buhari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become Head of State in 1983 following a military coup. He was overthrown in 1985, but returned to prominence as Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in 1994 under General Sani Abacha.
After three unsuccessful presidential bids, he won the 2015 election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019 and completed his second term in 2023.
Known for his strict personal discipline, anti-corruption stance, and occasionally divisive leadership, Buhari remained a figure of national significance throughout his public life.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and several children. From military ruler to democratic president, Muhammadu Buhari’s final journey has ended in the same town where it began, Daura. His political and personal legacy will continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution, especially in the northern region.
