It was the end of an era and a deeply emotional day on Tuesday as former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown, Daura.
A wave of grief swept through Katsina on Tuesday as Nigeria bid farewell to its former leader, Muhammadu Buhari, who was buried with full honours two days after his death in a London hospital at the age of 82.
Buhari’s body arrived in Katsina on Tuesday and was received at the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The former president was buried at exactly 5:50 PM, in accordance with Islamic rites, just steps away from the residence where he spent his retirement.
His coffin, draped in the Nigerian flag, was lowered into the ground as military honours and Islamic prayers echoed across the solemn gathering.
Dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond converged in Katsina for the funeral. Among them were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former First Lady Aisha Buhari and her children, business magnate Aliko Dangote, several state governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and international representatives.
The Federal Government declared Tuesday a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast nationwide.
As Nigerians reflect on Buhari’s complex legacy, tributes have continued to pour in—from those who knew him personally and others who were shaped by his policies.
Major General Paul Tafa, a long-time friend and coursemate from Military Course 5, described Buhari as “principled and selfless,” noting his modest lifestyle and unwavering commitment to Nigeria. “He lived simply, and he lived happily. Nigeria will deeply miss him,” Tafa said.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, highlighted Buhari’s military reforms, praising him for modernizing the army, improving cyber warfare capacity, and founding institutions such as the Nigerian Army University. “His legacy in defence is still bearing fruit,” Buratai added.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, also paid tribute, noting Buhari’s role in promoting national unity and Nigeria’s position on the global stage. “Despite international pressures, Nigeria made key progress under his leadership,” she said.
