Nigeria is mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a London clinic on Sunday following a brief illness. His remains are being flown back to Nigeria for burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, who is currently in London with the late president’s family, confirmed that the burial will take place on Monday, provided the body arrives before nightfall. If not, the ceremony will be held early Tuesday morning. Vice-President Kashim Shettima, also in London, is accompanying Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
Buhari’s death marks the end of an era for a leader who uniquely governed Nigeria both as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He was known for his anti-corruption stance, austere personal lifestyle, and strong influence on national security policy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a seven-day national mourning period, directing all national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country. Tinubu, expected to attend the Janazah (funeral prayer) in Daura, described Buhari as “a patriot who served Nigeria with integrity and deep devotion.”
Tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and around the world. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari defeated in the historic 2015 election, lauded him as “a selfless leader who served the country with character and patriotism.”
Former military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida, who once overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, said, “Even in retirement, he remained a moral compass and a symbol of modesty in public life.”
Buhari’s burial is expected to draw dignitaries from across Nigeria and Africa, honoring a man who left a complex but lasting legacy on Nigeria’s democratic and military history.
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