By Vincent Egunyanga, Cross Udo, and Ben Adoga, with agency reports
The ancient town of Daura in Katsina State was draped in solemnity yesterday as Nigeria bade farewell to one of its most consequential leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was laid to rest at his family residence amid full military honours, torrents of tears, and dignified reverence from local and international dignitaries.
The late president, who passed away on July 13, in a London clinic following a prolonged illness, was interred at 5:50 p.m. by Islamic rites.
His final return to Nigerian soil marked the end of an era defined by ascetic leadership, controversial policies, and a career spanning over five decades in both military and civilian service.
*Tinubu, African leaders, governors, FEC, ex-govs, business, political leaders witness historic funeral
President Bola Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari in 2023, led the federal government delegation to receive the remains of his predecessor at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, at exactly 1:51 p.m., shortly after inspecting a military guard of honour.
He was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, among others.
Other prominent figures who paid their last respects included First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Aminu Masari (Katsina), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto).
*Tears and national reflection
After the military procession, Buhari’s casket—draped in the national flag—was conveyed by a high-ranking pallbearer team comprising senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, coordinated by Maj-Gen Mike Alechenu.
The team moved in solemn cadence to the hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” evoking deep emotion among onlookers.
In Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, led the Salatul Janazah (funeral prayer) at the family compound before the body was lowered into the grave. The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar, received dignitaries who paid homage to the town’s most illustrious son.
The event was witnessed by Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, who was visibly overwhelmed with grief and comforted by Remi Tinubu and other First Ladies, including Fatimah Abbas (wife of the Speaker), Laila Barau (wife of the Deputy Senate President), and Zarah Ribadu (wife of the National Security Adviser).
At the graveside, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, delivered Buhari’s final citation, recounting his storied rise from a young military officer in 1962 to Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
A ceremonial 21-gun salute followed, echoing across Daura. The national flag that wrapped his coffin was then folded and presented to his son, Yusuf Buhari, as a symbol of gratitude for his father’s service to Nigeria.
*A convergence of the powerful
Daura became the symbolic heart of the nation, hosting an unprecedented mix of current and former officeholders, religious leaders, diplomats, and business tycoons.
Among them were Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man; former Senate President; Ahmad Lawan; Ali Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communications; Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs; Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno and ex-PDP Chairman, and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Others include service chiefs, including IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede.
The usually quiet town of Daura transformed into a fortified zone.
Thousands of security operatives were deployed to manage traffic, ensure order, and secure the high-profile mourners.
Makeshift tents, water points, and medical posts were set up at key entry points while streets overflowed with sympathisers chanting prayers and traditional praises.
Muhammadu Buhari’s life was one of paradoxes; admired for personal integrity and asceticism, yet criticised for perceived aloofness and economic policies that sparked hardship.
His supporters cite achievements in infrastructure, including the Lagos-Ibadan rail, the Second Niger Bridge, the Anchor Borrowers Programme, and the Treasury Single Account.
His critics recall the #EndSARS protests, the controversies surrounding the removal of fuel subsidies, and his prolonged absences abroad for medical treatment.
Born December 17, 1942, Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, served in the Congo Peacekeeping Mission, and rose to national prominence after the 1983 coup. Though overthrown in 1985, he returned to power in 2015 after winning a historic democratic election.
A week-long national mourning has been declared by President Tinubu, who will lead the State House special FEC session in Abuja next Monday in honour of Buhari.
Events planned include an interfaith memorial at Eagle Square, a National Mosque Lecture in Abuja, a Christian Service of tribute at the National Ecumenical Centre, the unveiling of the Muhammadu Buhari Legacy Foundation, and the opening of condolence registers at the State House, Federal Secretariat, and all Nigerian foreign missions.
“He was not just a former President; he was an idea—a symbol of Nigeria’s moral soul,” said Mallam Isah Dambatta, a Daura elder.
“Even his critics can’t deny his patriotism,” added Dr Naja’atu Mohammed, a former political ally turned critic. Baba Buhari was strict, but Nigeria needed his discipline,” said Comrade Isa Aremu, labour leader.
As twilight descended, the red Katsina soil was gently heaped over Buhari’s body.
His tomb, next to his mother’s grave, is modest, with a simple marble plaque inscribed: “Muhammadu Buhari, 1942–2025. A Life of Duty, Discipline, and Devotion.”
*Mixed reactions in Jos as Buhari laid to rest in Daura
Mixed reactions have trailed the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari after he was laid to rest in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, on Tuesday.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who went around Jos Metropolis on Tuesday, reports that while many expressed sadness over the death, some said it was an inevitable end for the late president.
Mrs Ene Pam, a retired teacher, who said the president’s death saddened her, said Buhari meant well but was overwhelmed and lost control over his cabinet.
“He tried to fight corruption but was undermined; he was a good man. May his soul rest in peace,” Pam said.
Kate Danjuma, a housewife, said Buhari was disciplined but slow to act, corroborating Pam that he also meant well, but his team failed him.
John Adeyinka, a youth corps member, acknowledged benefiting from the N-Power programme of Buhari’s administration but said insecurity was worse during his time.
“It was unfortunate because many innocent Nigerians died under Buhari’s watch,” Adeyinka said.
Mr Philip Chidi, a trader at Terminus Market, reacted indifferently, saying he was just a former president like the other past presidents.
“The poor still suffered under him like others, so for me, nothing changed during his time,” said Chidi.
Ibrahim Tanko, a commercial driver, told NAN he was not surprised, saying the former president had always been unwell but held on to power unnecessarily.
“You will agree with me that Nigeria is a big country and needs a very healthy person to lead. This country’s troubles can also affect one’s health,” Tanko said.
On her part, Amina Yakubu, a food vendor, decried the severe hunger just a few months after Buhari took over in 2015 because farmers could not go to their farms for fear of being killed by attackers.
Gloria Dung, a university student, however, prayed for comfort for Buhari’s family and the repose of his soul.
“No matter what, he was our president. May his soul rest in peace,” Dung said quietly.
