Buhari’s Final Journey: Former President Laid to Rest in Daura
The body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been transported to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State for burial.
Earlier today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally received Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. Draped in the national flag, the late president’s body was carried down from a Nigerian Air Force jet by military pallbearers, in the presence of service chiefs and high-ranking political figures who gathered in solemn tribute.
Also aboard the flight were Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of Buhari’s immediate family, including his wife, Aisha. Following a short ceremony at the airport, the body was transported to Daura by a Nigerian Air Force hearse, with crowds of mourners lining the route to bid him farewell.
Since dawn, hundreds of Nigerians had assembled near the airport and along the roads to pay their last respects to a man who served as both a military and civilian leader.
In a separate reflection, Mamman Daura—Buhari’s nephew and longtime confidant—shared poignant details about the former president’s final hours. In a conversation with ThisDay, Daura recalled spending Saturday evening at Buhari’s side at a London clinic. Despite his illness, Buhari was cheerful and spoke hopefully about returning home soon.
“We talked and laughed that evening. He was full of life and looking forward to flying back to Nigeria,” Daura said.
That optimism would fade by the next afternoon, when the 82-year-old passed away following a sudden decline in his health.
As the nation mourns, Buhari’s legacy—marked by decades of public service, fierce loyalty from supporters, and enduring political influence—takes its place in history. His final resting place is now among the people and the town he called home.
