President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led a distinguished gathering of Nigeria’s political, military, and traditional elite to Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to pay their final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The late Nigerian leader—who served as both a military Head of State and two-term civilian President—passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025. His remains were flown into Nigeria aboard the Presidential Aircraft he once used during his time in office. President Tinubu personally received the flag-draped casket at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, at 1:51 p.m., where a full military guard of honour awaited.
The final journey began with a solemn procession from the airport to Daura, led by Tinubu and high-ranking dignitaries, including Vice President Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Nigerian Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar.
A joint team of senior military officers served as pallbearers, accompanied by a slow march and the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” Upon arrival in Daura, Islamic funeral rites were conducted by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Chief Imam of Daura. Buhari was interred at his private residence at 5:50 p.m., following Salatul Janazah prayers held at the PMB Helicopter Ground.
The ceremony was marked by full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, and drew international dignitaries, business leaders, former governors, and traditional rulers. Among them were:
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas
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Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other service chiefs
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Governors from over 20 states, including Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Kwara
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Businessmen Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, and Dahiru Mangal
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Traditional leaders, including the Emirs of Daura, Katsina, and Kano
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency recorded over 130 aircraft landings and departures at Katsina Airport between Monday and Tuesday, underscoring the scale of national and international attendance.
As tributes poured in, former cabinet members expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing:
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Dr. Rabi’atu Aliyu, ex-Minister of State for FCT, described Buhari as “a father, an honest and tolerant leader who appointed based on merit, not ethnicity.”
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Sadiya Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, called his death “a national loss,” adding, “He upheld discipline and gave everyone a chance.”
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Pauline Tallen, ex-Minister of Women Affairs, said, “He valued simplicity and lived humbly, even after holding the nation’s highest offices.”
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Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, called the death “a personal loss,” saying Buhari was “principled, disciplined, and selfless.”
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Dr. Aliyu Audu, former Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu, described Buhari as “a bright star of Nigeria who lived with deep commitment.”
A weeklong series of mourning events is expected to continue with condolence visits and national tributes coordinated by the Presidential Committee.
As Buhari is laid to rest, Nigeria reflects on the legacy of a man who rose from Daura to the highest office in the land—and who remained, in the eyes of many, a humble and principled servant of the nation.