Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari To Be Buried in Daura on July 15

KATSINA, Nigeria – Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who served as the country’s democratic leader from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, will be buried on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. The former president Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after a brief illness.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, announced the burial arrangements during a press briefing on Monday. He disclosed that Buhari’s body would arrive at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina by noon, followed by interment at 2:00 PM in Daura. Radda extended his heartfelt condolences to the late president’s family, the people of Katsina, and all Nigerians, describing Buhari as a “national icon who will be deeply missed.”

Buhari’s Body Awaits Release in London As Nigerian Delegation Arrives

While burial preparations are underway in Nigeria, efforts to repatriate Buhari’s remains from London are ongoing. opitanglomedia news correspondent , reported that paperwork for the release of the body has commenced, and once completed, the remains would be flown to Nigeria aboard a presidential jet.

A high-powered Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived in London on Monday to oversee arrangements and accompany the body back to Nigeria. They were received by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; and other officials at Heathrow Airport. Security has been tightened around the hospital and the consulate as the nation mourns.

Outpouring of Grief in Daura As Mourners Pay Tribute

In Daura, Buhari’s hometown, an atmosphere of mourning has enveloped the community as thousands of sympathizers thronged his family residence to pay their last respects. Residents, relatives, and long-time friends have continued to pour into the quiet town since news of his passing broke.

Visitors described Buhari as a man of uncommon discipline, humility, and generosity. His lifelong friend, Sulaiman Yarin-Katsina, said Buhari’s “unwavering simplicity” kept him close to his roots, even during his years in power. “He never turned his back on his people, and that is why Daura is in deep pain today,” Yarin-Katsina added.

Security Presence Grows Ahead of Burial, But Normal Life Continues

Despite the emotional weight in the air, commercial activities in Daura have continued largely uninterrupted. However, security has been significantly heightened around key locations, including the entrance to the Daura Emirate Council and the late president Buhari’s residence. Armed personnel from various security agencies have been deployed to ensure safety ahead of the Tuesday burial.

Among the early visitors to the residence include Katsina Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, Deputy Chief of Staff Mukhtar Saulawa, Katsina APC Chairman Sani Daura, Commissioner for Internal Security Nasiru Danmusa, and AIG Zone 14 Aliyu Musa. Residents have been cooperative, and local authorities have urged everyone to maintain decorum during the solemn events.

Legacy of a Soldier and a Statesman

Muhammadu Buhari, born in 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, first came to national prominence as Nigeria’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985. He returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015 and served two terms until 2023. Widely regarded for his anti-corruption stance and austere personal lifestyle, Buhari remained a polarizing but significant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Condolences have poured in from across the political divide. Former and current Nigerian leaders, governors, traditional rulers, and international figures have described him as a “man of integrity” whose legacy will be debated but not forgotten. As Nigeria prepares to lay him to rest, the nation remembers a leader who, in both military and civilian garbs, left an indelible mark on its history