The late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, will be laid to rest today in the compound of his home in Daura, Katsina State. His body is expected to arrive in the country shortly after midday.
Buhari passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a clinic in London, surrounded by close family members. The governor of Katsina State, who was present with the family, confirmed that the former president’s remains would be flown from London directly to Katsina. From there, they will be transported to Daura, about 80 kilometers from the state capital.
Mourners have already gathered at his home in anticipation of the arrival of the body. The federal government declared today a public holiday to honor Buhari’s service to the nation, both as a military leader and as a democratically elected president.
A brief military ceremony is planned at the Katsina airport, where President Bola Tinubu will receive the remains in person. Islamic funeral prayers will also be held in Daura, where the final burial will take place.
The funeral, originally scheduled for Monday, was delayed due to logistics. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who will accompany the body back to Nigeria, shared that Buhari passed away after a brief illness but did not go into details.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as a dedicated and patriotic leader who served with integrity. General Ibrahim Babangida, who once overthrew Buhari in a military coup, called him a man of modesty and a moral guide, even in retirement.
President Tinubu declared a national mourning period lasting seven days. As part of the observance, flags are flying at half-mast across the nation.
The burial will mark the final farewell to a leader who made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the polls.
