By Gideon Maxwell
July 15, 2025
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites, following his death in London on Saturday at the age of 82.
Buhari, a retired Major General who led Nigeria both as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, died after a prolonged illness at a private clinic in London.
His death was announced by the presidency on Saturday evening, triggering an outpouring of tributes from within and outside the country.
A state funeral was organised in his honour, with the federal government declaring seven days of national mourning and ordering flags flown at half-mast across the country.
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Arrival of remains
Buhari’s body, draped in the Nigerian national flag, was flown from London aboard a presidential aircraft that arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and an array of dignitaries, including state governors, former presidents, ministers, service chiefs, and traditional rulers, were on hand to receive the remains at the airport.
Military pallbearers rendered full honours, including a guard of honour and a ceremonial salute, before the casket was moved into a waiting hearse for the final journey to Daura.
Burial in Daura
Thousands of mourners lined the route as the convoy made its way to Buhari’s residence in Daura.
Islamic funeral prayers were held at his family compound, led by clerics and attended by the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk, alongside other religious and community leaders.
At approximately 5:50 p.m., the late president was interred in a private section of his compound.
The burial was conducted in strict adherence to Islamic traditions, with prayers and recitations offered for the repose of his soul.
Tributes
In his remarks, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a statesman of uncommon integrity who served his country with dedication and discipline,” adding that “his legacy of public service and patriotism will endure for generations.”
Vice President Shettima called him “a father figure whose life exemplified simplicity and commitment to Nigeria’s unity.” The Emir of Daura praised him as “a son of the soil whose contributions to the nation and his hometown remain indelible.”
International messages of condolence poured in as well, with leaders from the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations, and several heads of state sending their sympathies to the Buhari family and the Nigerian people.
National mourning
Government offices remained closed as part of the official mourning period. Flags were seen at half-mast across all public buildings, and special prayers were held in mosques and churches nationwide.
Security was tight throughout Katsina and Daura, with military and police personnel ensuring the smooth conduct of the funeral ceremonies.
Legacy
Born in 1942 in Daura, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s head of state between 1983 and 1985, and later won two terms as president from 2015 to 2023.
His tenure was marked by an anti-corruption campaign, infrastructural development initiatives, and efforts to combat insurgency in the northeast.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, grandchildren, and extended family members.
The family expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the international community for the outpouring of love and support during their time of grief.
As the sun set over Daura on Tuesday evening, the nation bade farewell to one of its most consequential leaders, closing a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
