Isaac Samuel
Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in London on Sunday, July 13, after a prolonged illness.
He was 82.
Buhari’s remains were received at Katsina Airport by President Bola Tinubu and top government officials, before being transported to Daura for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The interment took place at 5:50 p.m., marked by a solemn atmosphere as family, associates, and political dignitaries watched the green-white-green-draped casket lowered into the earth.
Full military honours, including gun salutes and ceremonial processions, were accorded the late former Commander-in-Chief.
The Federal Government also declared a day of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country.
Among those present at the burial were the former president’s widow, Aisha Buhari; Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar; business magnate Aliko Dangote; several governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari first served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, before returning to power as a democratically elected president in 2015. He completed two terms and handed over to President Tinubu in May 2023, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Nigeria’s history with a cumulative nine years and eight months in power.
Often referred to by his northern supporters as “Mai Gaskiya” Hausa for “the truthful one” Buhari earned a reputation for his stern stance against corruption and indiscipline. However, his legacy remains mixed, with critics highlighting policy missteps and economic challenges during his administration.
His passing has drawn condolences from across political and ideological divides, marking the end of an era for a man whose influence shaped Nigeria’s civil and military political landscape over the past four decades.
