Buhari’s Final Journey Begins as His Body Arrives in Katsina
The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Katsina today, marking the start of his final homecoming. Draped in the national flag, his remains were carefully lifted from a Nigerian Air Force aircraft by military officials at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport.
The late leader’s body was flown in from London early Tuesday aboard the presidential aircraft, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of his family.
Waiting on the tarmac to receive him were Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, members of the State Executive Council, and other dignitaries. The mood was solemn but dignified, as they prepared to escort the former president on his final trip to Daura, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.
Meanwhile, Mamman Daura, Buhari’s nephew and longtime confidant, shared a touching account of their last conversation. Speaking to ThisDay, Daura said he spent Saturday evening with Buhari at the London Clinic.
“We were talking and laughing. He was in high spirits, hopeful about returning to Nigeria soon,” Daura said.
He revealed that Buhari had even begun making arrangements for his return—ensuring accommodations for his aides were handled, and expressing eagerness to be discharged. But by the following afternoon, the former president’s condition worsened unexpectedly, leading to his death around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
As the nation mourns, the final leg of Buhari’s journey serves as a reminder of a long and complex chapter in Nigeria’s history—one marked by service, controversy, and a legacy still unfolding.
