Funeral rite for late former President Muhammadu Buhari
President Bola Tinubu, alongside President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, joined thousands in Daura, Katsina State, to pay their final respects at the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila accompanied Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. The body arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport around 2 p.m. via a Nigerian Air Force flight, FGT 001.
President Tinubu, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries received the remains at the airport. Following a farewell parade honoring the former Commander-in-Chief, the body was transported by road to Daura.
Imam Hassan Yusuf led the funeral prayer at the Daura Helipad after 4 p.m., attended by prominent figures including former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers such as the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, and the Emirs of Zazzau, Dutse, and Kazaure. Industry leaders like Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal were also present.
After the prayers, Buhari’s remains were laid to rest at his private residence in Daura. Thousands of mourners, initially restricted from the venue, were later allowed entry to join the rites.
Local residents shared heartfelt tributes. Salisu Lawal described Buhari as “a great man who loved staying with his people and offering a helping hand.” Another resident, Aliyu Nasiru, called his passing “a great loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire state and country,” adding, “The death has created a vacuum that is difficult to fill; he will continue to be remembered for his good virtues.” Nasiru prayed for Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. (NAN)
