By John Moses
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, at a funeral attended by President Bola Tinubu and several regional leaders.
The News reported that Buhari’s remains were flown to Nigeria aboard a Nigerian Air Force flight accompanied by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The aircraft landed at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina around 2 p.m., where President Tinubu, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu were among those who received the body.
Following a farewell military parade, the late leader’s remains were taken by road to Daura. The funeral prayer, led by Imam Hassan Yusuf at the Daura Helipad after 4 p.m., drew dignitaries including Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou and Nigeria’s former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Traditional leaders such as the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar, and prominent business figures including Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal also attended.
After the prayer, Buhari’s remains were taken to his private residence for burial. Thousands of mourners later joined the funeral rites, praising Buhari’s integrity, humility and dedication to his people.
Local resident Salisu Lawal described the late president as “a great man who loved staying close to his community,” while Aliyu Nasiru called his passing a “great loss to the entire nation,” praying for Buhari’s soul to be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.