President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside a high-powered delegation of Nigeria’s political and military elite, converged on Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to pay final respects to former military Head of State and two-term civilian President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Tinubu personally received Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina around 2:00 p.m. The body, draped in the Nigerian flag, was flown aboard the Presidential Aircraft that Buhari had used throughout his eight-year civilian administration.
The funeral rites, conducted by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, were held at the PMB Helicopter Ground in Daura, with dignitaries from within and outside the country present. International guests included President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou.
Among the Nigerian dignitaries were former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and several federal lawmakers.
Key security leaders in attendance included Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Retired military figures such as former Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and ex-DSS Director General Yusuf Bichi were also present.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda led the state delegation, while several federal ministers, including Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, and Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, were part of the federal contingent.
Notable business figures—Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, and Dahiru Mangal—joined traditional rulers such as the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, and Kano to honour the former president.
Over 130 aircraft movements were recorded at the Katsina airport in 48 hours due to the influx of dignitaries. Tinubu arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m., just minutes before Buhari’s remains landed at 1:51 p.m.
A joint military pallbearer team comprising senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu, carried out the ceremonial handover. The procession included a slow march accompanied by the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” and a full military guard of honour.
After a solemn motorcade journey to Daura, prayers were offered for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings upon Buhari’s soul. He was buried at his private residence in Daura at 5:50 p.m., in the presence of close family, President Tinubu, and other dignitaries.
The funeral was marked by a 21-gun salute and military honours.
Tributes Pour In Across the Nation
Dr. Rabi’atu Aliyu, former Minister of State for the FCT, described Buhari as “honest, resilient, enduring, and tolerant,” adding that she had known him personally before serving in his cabinet.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Farouq expressed deep grief, calling him “a father, mentor, and patriot.” She praised his love for the poor and vulnerable, his humility, and his insistence on merit above tribalism.
Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted Buhari’s simplicity and detachment from materialism. “He came into the world empty and left the same way,” she said, calling for other leaders to learn from his virtues.
Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi described Buhari’s death as a “personal loss,” emphasizing his discipline and contributions to democracy.
Dr. Aliyu Audu, former Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu, called Buhari “a bright star of Nigeria” who lived modestly and served with integrity.
The Presidential Committee will continue condolence visits to Buhari’s family as part of a weeklong series of mourning and remembrance.
