Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been laid to rest at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, in a solemn state funeral attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and a host of national and international dignitaries.
The funeral, held on Tuesday, July 15, followed Islamic Janazah prayers led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, the Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque.
A large crowd of mourners, including ordinary citizens, traditional rulers, and political figures, lined the streets of Daura to pay their last respects to the late Nigerian leader.
Body arrives from London, received by Tinubu and dignitaries
The former president’s body arrived earlier that afternoon aboard a presidential aircraft at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, flown in from London.
It was received by President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and a delegation of African leaders including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou.
Also present were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, several state governors, ministers, and prominent business leaders. The late president’s body was then transported in a motorcade under heavy security to Daura.
Final rites and full military honours
Upon arrival at his residence, a brief lying-in-state ceremony was conducted, after which funeral prayers were observed.
The final interment took place at exactly 5:50 p.m. with President Tinubu and close family members in attendance.
The burial was conducted with full military honours, including a reveille and a symbolic 21-gun salute, underscoring the national significance of Buhari’s passing.
“A weeklong programme of events will continue later on Tuesday with a condolence visit to President Buhari’s family by the Presidential Committee,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
