Late President Buhari Buried at Home in Daura, Tinubu Calls Him a ‘Patriot, Soldier and Statesman’

Source: Africa

Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, was buried Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, in an emotionally charged ceremony that drew dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

His burial followed Islamic rites and was attended by sitting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hailed Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman.”

Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 following a brief illness, was returned to Nigeria earlier Tuesday. His flag-draped casket arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina and was received by President Tinubu and other top officials before being transported in a military ambulance to Daura.

His body around 5:50 p.m., was marked by solemn prayers and a 21-gun salute from a joint military honour guard.

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The funeral brought together an array of dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, business magnate Aliko Dangote, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

International guests included Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, who joined Nigerian leaders in paying final respects.

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari, Muhammadu Buhari began his public life as a soldier in the Nigerian Army, rising to the rank of Major General.

He seized power in a military coup on December 31, 1983, serving as Head of State until 1985. He returned to prominence in 1994 as the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund under General Sani Abacha.

After three unsuccessful bids for the presidency, Buhari won Nigeria’s 2015 general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019, serving until 2023.

Known for his austere lifestyle, Buhari was respected for his personal discipline and remained a reserved figure even during his presidency. His administration focused heavily on anti-corruption efforts and infrastructural development but faced challenges in addressing widespread insecurity and economic instability.

President Tinubu, in his tribute, described Buhari as “a man who served Nigeria in war and peace, who led with conviction, and who will be remembered for his integrity and unwavering patriotism.”

In a nationwide gesture of mourning, flags across Nigeria have been flying at half-mast since Monday, and the National Assembly has suspended all activities until July 22 in his honour.

Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and several children. As the sun set over Daura, a nation reflected on the legacy of a man who once held the reins of power in both military and civilian capacities — and who has now been laid to rest in the soil of the town where it all began.