Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in the backyard of his family home in Daura, Katsina State, as mourners climbed trees and chanted tributes to bid farewell to the 82-year-old statesman.
Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged but undisclosed illness.
Thousands gathered in his hometown to witness the burial, with many chanting “Sai Baba”, a popular nickname affectionately used by his supporters. His coffin, draped in Nigeria’s national colours, was flown into Katsina Airport, where it was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, top officials, and members of the public dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
A military parade and a 21-gun salute were held in his honour before the body was moved to Daura, about 80 kilometers away, for private interment.
President Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning and announced Tuesday as a public holiday to honour the late leader’s legacy.
Buhari, a former military ruler in the 1980s, returned to power through democratic elections after defeating Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. His presidency was marked by significant challenges including economic downturns, foreign exchange crises, and persistent insecurity in several regions.
Despite criticism over economic hardship and an uneven anti-corruption record, Buhari remained deeply popular in northern Nigeria, where he was revered for his perceived integrity, simplicity, and firm stance on discipline.
His burial brings to a close a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, with supporters remembering him as a man who served with conviction—both as a military leader and as a democratically elected president.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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