Breaking: Buhari’s remains arrive Daura for burial

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ambulance conveying the late president’s body completed the 80-kilometre journey from Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina, where it had landed at 1:53 p.m. earlier that day, escorted by Vice President Kashim Shettima from London.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who received the remains at the airport alongside a high-level delegation, joined the procession to Daura.

The delegation included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

A brief military ceremony at the airport honoured Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at age 82 in a London hospital, before the convoy departed around 3:00 p.m.

The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and burial are set to take place at Buhari’s private residence in Daura, with preparations finalized by an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.

Security has been reinforced across Daura, with personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ensuring a secure and orderly ceremony.

Nigeria is observing a seven-day national mourning period, with Tuesday declared a public holiday. Flags are at half-mast nationwide, and condolence registers are open at federal institutions and Nigerian embassies.

The National Assembly has suspended activities until July 22, and the Federal Executive Council postponed its Tuesday meeting to Friday, July 18, to allow attendance at the burial and the Third-Day Fidau Prayer on Wednesday, July 16.

Tributes continue to pour in for Buhari, who served as military head of state (1983–1985) and democratically elected president (2015–2023).

President Tinubu described him as “a symbol of integrity and service,” while former President Goodluck Jonathan praised his “unyielding dedication to Nigeria’s unity.” International leaders, particularly from West Africa, are expected to attend the burial, reflecting Buhari’s regional stature.

In Daura, mourners, including family, friends, and well-wishers, have gathered at Buhari’s residence, where women have been holding prayers and Qur’anic recitations. The Northwest Governors Forum declared Tuesday a public holiday across its seven states, underscoring Buhari’s profound regional impact. Governor Radda called him “a statesman whose legacy of discipline will endure.”