Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a solemn ceremony that brought together dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

The burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, marked the conclusion of a period of national mourning for the former leader, who served Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected president.

Buhari’s remains, which arrived earlier in the day from London—where he died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness—were flown to Katsina aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials accompanied the body, which was received at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport by President Bola Tinubu and top military and civilian leaders.

From the airport, a military chopper transported the casket—draped in Nigeria’s green and white—to Daura. Thousands of mourners lined the streets, hoping to catch a final glimpse of the late president.

The funeral prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Katsina State at 5:50 p.m. at Buhari’s private residence. Present were family members, close associates, Islamic clerics, and top-ranking officials. In a solemn tribute, Army Generals and Service Chiefs carried the former president’s remains to his final resting place, where a 21-gun salute was fired in his honour.

President Tinubu, several state governors, former presidents, cabinet members, and foreign dignitaries were among the notable figures in attendance.

To honour Buhari’s legacy, the Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday, allowing Nigerians—especially in the North-West—to pay their respects.

In Daura, the mood was one of quiet reverence and deep sorrow. Despite the heavy security presence, commercial activity continued at a subdued pace as the town prepared to bid farewell to its most illustrious son.

“He was humble and disciplined till the end. For over 50 years, we lived peacefully together here in Daura,” said Ismaila Ibrahim, a longtime neighbour of the late president.

Tributes have continued to pour in from world leaders, Nigerian statesmen, and citizens, describing Buhari as a patriot, a man of integrity, and a leader who devoted his life to the service of the nation.

As the final prayers were offered and the earth closed over his resting place, Nigeria bowed in collective grief, marking the end of an era in its national journey.