By John Umeh
Late President Buhari’s Body Lands in Katsina for Final Burial Rites
The remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, on Monday morning, amid tight security and an outpouring of emotions from family members, political associates, and hundreds of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects.
The chartered military aircraft carrying the late president’s body touched down at approximately 10:45 a.m., where it was received by a high-powered delegation including Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the late president’s family. A solemn atmosphere enveloped the airport as pallbearers from the Nigerian Armed Forces respectfully offloaded the coffin, draped in the national flag.
Emotional Scenes as Nigeria Prepares to Lay Her Son to Rest
Dressed in black and traditional mourning attire, dignitaries and residents of Katsina stood silently in honor of the man who once ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later returned to power democratically from 2015 to 2023. Buhari, a native of Daura, is expected to be buried according to Islamic rites later today in his hometown.
Clerics from various Islamic sects led brief prayers at the airport before the body was transported under heavy security to Daura, where a larger crowd awaited. Military vehicles and security operatives cleared the roads to ensure an orderly procession. Chants of prayers and tributes rang out from mourners lining the streets as the convoy made its way through the city.
Tributes Pour In
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot who gave his life to the service of Nigeria,” while Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is also expected to attend the burial rites in Daura, hailed the late president’s “unyielding discipline, nationalist vision, and stoic leadership.”
Other global and regional leaders, including those from the African Union and ECOWAS, have sent condolences, describing Buhari’s passing as the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history.
Final Resting Place in Daura
According to family sources, Buhari will be laid to rest this afternoon in Daura Emirate, within the premises of his private residence, in line with Islamic traditions. A larger prayer session will be held later this week, where state governors, senators, former heads of state, and foreign dignitaries are expected to be in attendance.
As Nigeria bids farewell to a man whose leadership sparked both fierce loyalty and sharp criticism, his death has nonetheless united a nation in mourning. From the dusty streets of Daura to the corridors of power in Abuja, flags are flying at half-mast and prayers are being offered for the repose of the former president’s soul.
National Mourning Continues
The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honor the late leader, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across all government institutions for seven days. Condolence registers have been opened at government houses, embassies, and INEC offices nationwide.
As the final burial rites commence, many Nigerians reflect on the legacy Buhari leaves behind — a life defined by service, controversy, and an unwavering commitment to his vision of national unity.
Buhari’s Daughter Breaks Down in Tears Upon Arrival in Daura for Father’s Burial
A wave of deep emotion swept through the quiet town of Daura, Katsina State, on Monday, as one of the daughters of late President Muhammadu Buhari arrived to pay her final respects. Overcome by grief, she broke down in tears the moment she stepped off the vehicle that brought her to her father’s hometown, where preparations for his burial were already underway.
The heartbreaking scene unfolded before a crowd of sympathizers, mourners, family members, and dignitaries who had gathered in anticipation of the former president’s interment. Clad in black and visibly shaken, Buhari’s daughter was immediately comforted by family and friends as she struggled to hold back sobs while making her way to the family compound.
A Moment of Personal and National Grief
The arrival of Buhari’s daughter marked one of the most emotional moments in the unfolding burial rites of the former Nigerian leader. Cameras captured the tearful embrace between her and her siblings, some of whom had arrived earlier in Daura. Mourners at the scene, touched by her visible pain, also began to weep, further amplifying the somber mood of the event.
“She was inconsolable,” a family insider told reporters. “Seeing her walk into Daura without her father being alive, knowing he’s about to be buried — it hit her hard.”
The former president, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, is set to be buried later today in accordance with Islamic rites, in the same compound where he spent most of his post-presidency years.
Dignitaries Continue to Arrive
As family members gathered in Daura, more high-profile figures continued to arrive, including state governors, senators, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps. Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected to attend the burial rites alongside former colleagues and political allies of the late president.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of ordinary Nigerians from all walks of life has been pouring into Daura, many carrying placards with messages of tribute, prayer mats, and flowers. Security around the town has been intensified to manage the large crowd and ensure the safety of guests and residents.
Nation in Mourning
President Bola Tinubu, who earlier declared July 15 a public holiday in honor of the late leader, extended his condolences to Buhari’s family and acknowledged the depth of their loss. “Today, we mourn not just a former president, but a father, a grandfather, and a patriot whose legacy will outlive him,” Tinubu said in a statement.
Condolence registers have been opened across the country, while flags continue to fly at half-mast at public institutions, in line with the seven-day national mourning period.
A Daughter’s Pain Echoes the Nation’s Sorrow
The emotional breakdown of Buhari’s daughter was more than a private moment — it symbolized the grief of an entire nation bidding farewell to a former leader. For many, her tears represented not just the loss of a father, but the passing of a man who left a profound mark on Nigeria’s political and historical landscape.
As Daura prepares for the final interment and prayer sessions, one thing remains clear: the sorrow is personal, the loss is national, and the farewell — unforgettable.
