By John Umeh
In a solemn announcement that has sent shockwaves across the nation, the Governor of Katsina State has confirmed that former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, will be laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The news comes after an outpouring of grief from citizens, leaders, and dignitaries across the world, all mourning the loss of a man who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.
Governor Dikko Radda made the announcement during a press briefing at the Government House in Katsina on Monday morning. According to the governor, all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a dignified and honorable burial in accordance with Islamic rites and national protocol for a former head of state.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was not just a leader of Nigeria, but a proud son of Katsina State. We mourn him deeply, and we are committed to giving him a burial befitting his stature and legacy,” Radda stated.
The late Buhari, who passed away after a brief illness according to family sources, had long returned to a quieter life in Daura following the completion of his second term in office in 2023. Since his exit from public life, Buhari had remained largely out of the spotlight, occasionally making public appearances and issuing statements on national matters.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by the Presidency, expressed profound sadness over Buhari’s death, describing him as a “patriot, a disciplined democrat, and a committed servant of the Nigerian state.” Tinubu confirmed that a delegation of high-ranking officials will represent the Federal Government at the burial.
Tributes have poured in from around the globe. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who once met Buhari during his first official trip to Washington as president, praised Buhari’s “integrity and devotion to the anti-corruption crusade.” African leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, also sent condolences, describing Buhari as a continental icon of peace and leadership.
Security around Daura has been tightened ahead of Tuesday’s events, with thousands expected to attend the burial ceremony. The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have deployed personnel to ensure order and safety throughout the region.
The burial is expected to be attended by past and present Nigerian leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats, and international dignitaries. According to family sources, Buhari had expressed his wish for a modest and humble burial in line with Islamic traditions.
Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state from 1983 to 1985, returned to power as a civilian president in 2015 after winning the elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His presidency was marked by a strong stance on corruption, a tough approach to insecurity, and controversial economic reforms. Despite criticism in some quarters, he remained a respected figure among supporters who praised his unwavering discipline and commitment to national unity.
As Nigeria prepares to lay one of its most consequential leaders to rest, the nation stands united in mourning, reflection, and gratitude for a life lived in the service of the country. The legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, for better or worse, will continue to shape Nigeria’s political and historical landscape for generations to come.
Buhari’s Body to Be Received by Tinubu in Katsina on Tuesday
