By Gideon Maxwell
July 15, 2025
The remains of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, on Tuesday, ahead of his burial in his hometown of Daura.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, and top government officials were at the airport to receive the body, which was flown in from London aboard the presidential jet.
A military honour guard rendered full ceremonial respects as the casket, draped in the national colours, was transferred from the aircraft to a waiting hearse. Family members, dignitaries, and mourners stood in solemn silence during the brief ceremony.
The late president is scheduled to be buried later today in accordance with Islamic rites at his family residence in Daura, Katsina State.
The state government has declared today a public holiday to allow citizens to pay their respects, and national flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the country.
Buhari, who died in London on Saturday at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1983 and 1985, and later as an elected civilian president from 2015 to 2023.
His death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, remembered both for his anti-corruption stance and for the security and economic challenges that characterised his tenure.
Mourners have continued to gather in Daura as preparations for the final rites progress.
