Malik Yahya/
President Bola Tinubu, alongside President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, led thousands of mourners who gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday for the funeral rites of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The late president’s remains were flown into Nigeria aboard Nigerian Air Force flight FGT 001, accompanied by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The aircraft touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport around 2 p.m.
President Tinubu, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several state governors received the body with full honours. A farewell parade was held before the convoy departed by road for Daura.
The funeral prayer, led by Imam Hassan Yusuf, took place after 4 p.m. at the Daura Helipad. Among dignitaries present were former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, members of the National Assembly, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, and other traditional rulers including the Emirs of Katsina, Zazzau, Dutse, and Kazaure.
Also in attendance were business magnates Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, as well as thousands of sympathisers, many of whom were initially restricted but later allowed access to the funeral grounds.
Buhari’s remains were finally interred at his private residence in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Residents paid glowing tributes to the late former leader. Salisu Lawal described Buhari as “a great man who loved staying with his people and offering a helping hand.” Another mourner, Aliyu Nasiru, said, “His death is not only a loss to his family but to the entire state and the nation. He created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
They prayed for Allah’s mercy on his soul and for his admission into Al-Jannah Firdaus.
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