Buhari's Burial Holds in Daura Today

General Buhari as Former Head of State (1984 - 1985)

Daura, the hometown of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is set to host his final rites today, as Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of the 82-year-old statesman who died in a London clinic on Sunday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared today a public holiday and a seven-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast until July 20. Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon, to be received by President Tinubu, before being transported to Daura for Janaza prayers at 2 p.m., in accordance with Islamic traditions. He will be buried at his residence.

Security has been tightened in and around Daura, including at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport and along the Katsina-Daura route. Hotels and guest houses in Daura are fully booked, as dignitaries and mourners arrive for the burial.

Among those who have paid respects are former Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, spokesperson Garba Shehu, ex-Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Ibikunle Amosun, Aminu Bello Masari, and Prof. Isa Ali Pantami.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda inspected preparations, visited the Emir of Daura, and called for public cooperation during the funeral. Two foreign presidents are also expected to attend, according to President Tinubu.

Many residents and Buhari’s close associates described him as humble, principled, and deeply connected to his community. Garba Shehu noted that the news of his passing was unexpected, as reports suggested he was recovering.

Former Governor Masari said Buhari's death felt like the collapse of a “wall” many leaned on. Prof. Pantami described him as a man of discipline and integrity, emphasizing his lifelong punctuality and devotion to prayer.

Ahmad Lawan called Buhari “an embodiment of modesty and selflessness,” while Daura resident Alhaji Musa Muhammad recalled the sense of dignity Buhari’s presence brought to the town.

Across the nation, especially in Abuja and northern states, official activities have been suspended. An inter-ministerial committee led by SGF George Akume has been set up to coordinate the state funeral, with condolence registers opened at government offices and diplomatic venues.

The National Assembly has also postponed legislative sessions until July 22, while the Federal Executive Council session was rescheduled.

In Kaduna, Kano, and Jos, residents held special prayers for Buhari. In Jos, a Ga’ib (funeral-in-absentia) prayer was conducted in Yandoya community. Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised Buhari’s legacy of integrity and service.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced a three-day mourning period, while the North West Governors’ Forum declared a public holiday today. APC secretariats across the zone were also closed in Buhari’s honour.

Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar revealed that he was admitted to the same London hospital as Buhari and had just been discharged when Buhari died. Reflecting on their shared military past and personal friendship, he described Buhari as honest, trustworthy, and committed to fighting corruption — despite some shortcomings among his aides.

Buhari, who served as military Head of State (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected President (2015–2023), is remembered for his anti-corruption drive, discipline, and social investment programs. His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian leadership and politics.