The late leader, who passed away in London after a brief illness, was buried in accordance with Islamic rites in the courtyard of his private residence. His funeral drew a wide cross-section of Nigerians, including top government officials, traditional rulers, political associates, and grieving citizens who traveled from across the nation to witness the solemn occasion.
Earlier in the day, Buhari’s remains arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, where they were received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and other high-ranking officials. From there, his body was escorted under tight security to Daura for final interment.
The atmosphere was thick with emotion as friends and foes alike reflected on the life and times of the former army general who ruled Nigeria first as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later returned as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His leadership style, often described as austere and disciplined, earned him both admiration and criticism.
President Tinubu, in a brief tribute, described Buhari as “a patriot who gave his all in service to Nigeria,” while Governor Radda hailed him as “a son of Katsina who shaped the nation’s democratic journey.”
Despite the controversies that trailed parts of his presidency—ranging from economic challenges to human rights concerns—many remember him for his fight against corruption, infrastructural projects, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s image abroad.
As the sun set over Daura, Buhari was laid to rest quietly, far from the public glare that once followed his every move. Yet, his imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape remains unmistakable.
The nation mourns not just a former president, but a chapter in its history now closed.
