The remains of Muhammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria, who passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday in a London clinic, are set to be transported back to Nigeria for burial in his hometown of Daura, located in Katsina state. Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina, who returned to Nigeria on Monday morning after spending time with Buhari’s family in London, revealed that the burial will take place in Daura, approximately 50 miles (80km) from Katsina city, on Tuesday.
Funeral Arrangements and Timing
Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima is currently in London and will accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. Radda mentioned, “Based on my discussions with the family and close people that are with the corpse, preparations are ongoing in order to bring the body back to Nigeria.” He further noted that the corpse is expected to arrive at 12 PM on Tuesday, with the burial ceremony planned for 2 PM. This timing was adjusted from an earlier plan to accommodate more attendees.
Mourning and Tributes
As preparations continue, Buhari’s residence in Daura is already bustling with mourners, including friends, family, and well-wishers who are gathering to pay their respects. Vice-President Shettima confirmed through social media that Daura will be Buhari’s final resting place. While he passed after a brief illness, details surrounding his health were not disclosed, although it is known that Buhari had faced health challenges for several years.
In accordance with Islamic traditions, the burial will be a straightforward ceremony, eschewing a state funeral. Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa indicated that the burial would occur swiftly. Tributes have been pouring in for the former army general, who held the presidency twice—first as a military ruler and later as an elected leader, making history by being the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent in 2015.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari in the 2015 elections, praised him as “selfless in his commitment to his duty,” highlighting his character and patriotism. General Ibrahim Babangida, who ousted Buhari in a coup in 1985, also honored the late leader, stating, “He is a man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who plans to attend the funeral in Daura, has announced a seven-day national mourning period to honor his predecessor. An official condolence statement released by Tinubu on Sunday evening expressed the nation’s commitment to paying final respects to Buhari with dignity, initiating the mourning period with flags at half-mast across the country beginning Sunday.