Garba Mohammed
The remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, were laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, bringing to a close a chapter in the life of one of the nation’s most consequential and controversial leaders. The 82-year-old ex-military general, who twice governed Nigeria—first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023—died in London after a prolonged illness.
Buhari’s body was flown into the country aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina just before midday. President Bola Tinubu led the federal delegation that received the body, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, several ministers, and top security officials. A brief military ceremony was conducted at the airport before the motorcade departed for Daura.
The late leader’s funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) took place at the central mosque in Daura, followed by a solemn burial at his family compound. The rites were conducted according to Islamic traditions. The quiet town was overtaken by a heavy military and police presence, with checkpoints and restricted movement enforced throughout the day to ensure security and crowd control. Even some of Buhari’s relatives reportedly experienced delays entering the family compound due to the stringent arrangements.
As news of his final rites spread, thousands gathered around the town to pay their last respects. Some mourners carried placards with Buhari’s images and inscriptions like “Sai Baba Forever,” while others wept quietly, visibly shaken by the loss. Many shops remained closed, and the atmosphere in Daura was subdued.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the occasion, with all flags directed to fly at half-mast for seven days in honor of the departed statesman. The declaration of national mourning underscored Buhari’s significance in Nigeria’s political evolution. Known for his spartan lifestyle, tough stance on corruption, and deep appeal among the northern masses, Buhari remained a polarizing figure until the end. Admirers viewed him as an honest patriot, while critics often labeled him aloof and authoritarian.
In a statement issued from the Presidency, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a man of integrity who gave his life to the service of Nigeria,” noting that his contributions would continue to shape the nation for years to come. Vice President Shettima, who had visited Buhari in London days before his death, said the former president remained “mentally alert and spiritually calm” despite his failing health.
Buhari’s family has requested that the mourning be kept solemn and dignified, with a focus on prayers and reflection. They expressed gratitude to Nigerians and global leaders who sent messages of condolence.
Reactions to Buhari’s death poured in from across the globe. Messages of sympathy came from African heads of state, the African Union, the United Nations, and even former U.S. President Barack Obama, who worked with Buhari during the early years of his administration. Former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and other prominent Nigerian political figures also released tributes, emphasizing Buhari’s role in stabilizing the country during challenging times.
Though Buhari retired to Daura after leaving office in 2023, he remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. He lived a largely private life in the ancient town, occasionally receiving guests and weighing in on national issues. Despite calls for him to relocate to a larger city for better healthcare, Buhari reportedly insisted on staying close to his roots.
The simplicity of his burial, devoid of the flamboyance associated with African state funerals, resonated with the image he tried to portray throughout his life—a man of modesty, guided by faith and duty.
Now interred in his native soil, Buhari’s legacy will continue to provoke debate among Nigerians for generations to come. For his supporters, he was a selfless leader who fought for national renewal. For his detractors, he left behind a divided country and unfulfilled promises. But on this day, in the quiet town of Daura, Nigeria paused in unity—if only briefly—to bid farewell to a man who shaped its destiny in ways both profound and permanent.