Nigeria Bids Farewell to Buhari as Tinubu, and other Global Leaders Attend Burial in Daura

Nigeria on Tuesday paid its last respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari as his remains were interred in Daura, Katsina State, in a ceremony attended by top political figures, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led the solemn event, which saw an unprecedented gathering of serving and former leaders at the late President’s hometown. Buhari, who served as both military Head of State and two-term civilian President, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a London hospital, aged 82.

Tinubu Receives Buhari’s Remains at Katsina Airport
The Presidential Aircraft conveying Buhari’s body from London landed at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, at 1:51 p.m., where it was received by President Tinubu. The President had earlier arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour before the solemn handover.

Vice President Shettima, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were among the dignitaries at the airport. Also present were foreign leaders, including Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaru Sissoco Embaló, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou.

A nine-man military team, led by Major General Mike Alechenu, carried the flag-draped casket in a slow march to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” The pallbearers comprised senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while a full military guard of honour stood in formation.

Dignitaries, Governors, and Traditional Rulers Pay Respects
The event drew an extraordinary mix of Nigeria’s political class, security chiefs, and private sector leaders. Those in attendance included Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and former DSS boss Yusuf Bichi.

State governors were led by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, alongside Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and others. Former governors such as Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Ali Modu Sheriff, and Yahaya Bello were also present.

Business moguls Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, and Dahiru Mangal attended, as did prominent traditional rulers, including the Emirs of Daura, Katsina, and Kano.

Findings from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency revealed that Katsina Airport recorded over 130 flight movements within 48 hours due to the funeral.

Funeral Rites and Burial in Daura
The body was transported to Daura in a military hearse for Islamic funeral prayers at the PMB Helicopter Ground. Thousands of mourners thronged the venue as prayers were offered for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal rest for the former President.

Buhari was laid to rest at his private residence in Daura at 5:50 p.m., with President Tinubu, family members, and dignitaries present. The ceremony featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.

Tributes Pour In for a “Patriotic Leader”
Emotional tributes flowed from former ministers and aides. Ex-FCT Minister Dr. Rabi’atu Aliyu described Buhari as “a leader who rose above ethnicity and valued merit.” Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Farouq called him “a father and mentor who served with humility and patriotism.”

Former Women Affairs Minister Pauline Tallen praised his simplicity and disdain for materialism:
“Despite his positions as military ruler, minister, and President, he remained humble and content.”

Ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi described his death as a “personal loss,” while former presidential aide Dr. Aliyu Audu said:
“Buhari was a bright star of Nigeria who lived modestly and served with integrity.”

The federal government also declared July 15 a public holiday to honour Buhari, as the nation enters a seven-day mourning period with flags flying at half-mast nationwide.