Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, amidst tears, solemn prayers and full military honours from thousands of mourners and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
His remains were buried on Tuesday following Islamic funeral prayers and a moving farewell ceremony that included a 21-gun salute rendered by a joint military team in honour of the late statesman, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as military head of state between 1984 and 1985.
Present at the burial were President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Embalò and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine.
Captains of industries like Aliko Dangote and Dahiru Mangal, also attended the burial.
Others were members of the National Assembly, Emir of Daura Umar Faruk-Umar, that of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman and Emirs of Zazzau, Dutse and Kazaure, among others.
Also in attendance were service chiefs, captains of industry, former governors, Islamic clerics and a representative of the President of Chad Republic, among other high-profile personalities.
The chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa, read Buhari’s military citation before the interment, describing him as “a fine soldier” who lived a life of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
“His demise is a profound loss to Nigeria and his family,” Musa said, adding that Buhari left behind a legacy of service and sacrifice for the country.
The prayer was performed by many dignitaries, notable among them were the former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Earlier in the day, Buhari’s body was flown from London where he died on Sunday at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness and received at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina by President Tinubu, state officials and family members.
From there, it was transported to Daura, where an emotional crowd lined the streets, chanting prayers and seeking divine mercy for the late leader.
At the burial site, members of Buhari’s family were allowed to view the body privately and offer prayers before his final interment.
Buhari’s political career spanned decades.
His presidency was marked by a relentless anti-corruption campaign, infrastructure development and mixed reviews on security and economic performance.
Despite criticism on several fronts, he maintained a significant following, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he was revered as a symbol of honesty and integrity.
Tuesday’s ceremony concludes the official state burial declared by the Federal Government.
A seven-day national mourning period is underway, with all flags flying at half-mast across the country and in Nigerian missions abroad.
