Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu personally received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, July 15, at Katsina’s Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport. The solemn handover marked the beginning of a national farewell for the late leader, who passed away in London at age 82 on July 13.
🕊️ State Funeral Preparations
Prior to the arrival, Tinubu constituted an 18-member inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government George Akume, to coordinate a befitting state burial. The committee includes top officials across finance, security, health, and culture, working closely with Katsina State and the Buhari family.
President Tinubu also declared Tuesday a public holiday and initiated a seven-day national mourning period, with the national flag flown at half-mast, allowing Nigerians the space to grieve and reflect.
🛬 Military Honors and Islamic Rites
The former president’s body arrived just before noon and was received with full military honors at the airport. From there, it was escorted to his hometown, Daura, where the Janā’iza (funeral prayers) took place on the compound of his residence, followed by interment in accordance with Islamic traditions.
🔐 Security on Alert
Security was heavily reinforced throughout the city and along access routes into Daura. Police, military personnel, and special guards were stationed at strategic points—from the airport to the Emir’s palace—to ensure the ceremony proceeded peacefully amid significant public attention.
💬 Tributes and Reflections
Katsina Governor Dikko Radda led state officials in paying homage, remembering Buhari as “a patriot” and a embodiment of integrity and service. President Tinubu characterized Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” and pledged a burial deserving of a national icon.
Leaders from across the political and social spectrum echoed these sentiments. Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida commended Buhari’s sincerity and patriotism, while international figures—including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi—extended condolences and honored Buhari’s legacy.
📝 Final Moments
As Buhari’s soul is laid to rest in Daura, the nation pauses to honor a man who straddled military and democratic leadership. The solemn ceremony, marked by military protocol, formal prayers, and robust security, reflects Nigeria’s profound respect for his decades of service.
Voice of Lagos invites your thoughts:
🗣️ What does this farewell say about Nigeria’s values? How should Buhari be memorialized? Comment below!
