Former Nigerian President Buhari to Be Laid to Rest in Hometown

Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82, passed away in a London clinic and will be interred in his hometown, Daura, with the nation observing a period of mourning.

The body of Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's former president who died at the age of 82 in a London healthcare facility, is being transported back to Nigeria for burial in his hometown of Daura, located in Katsina State. The announcement was made by Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda, who is currently in London with Buhari's family. Radda confirmed that the burial will take place on Monday, specifically in Daura, about 80 kilometers from the state capital, Katsina city.

Nigeria's Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, is also present in London and will oversee the return of Buhari's remains to Nigeria. Radda, in a statement to DW Hausa, noted the logistical arrangements for the transfer, emphasizing a prompt burial in accordance with Islamic customs. "I just left his family at the hospital where he died, and the decision is that his remains will be taken to Daura for burial, the plan is to leave in the morning," he stated.

The vice-president later confirmed the details of the burial on social media, disclosing that Buhari succumbed to a brief illness, although he had battled health issues for several years before his death. In light of Buhari's Islamic faith, there will be no state funeral, and he will be laid to rest in a simple ceremony. Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa explained that according to tradition, the only factor that could delay the burial is if the body arrives in Daura after nightfall, which would push the ceremony to the following morning.

As news of his passing spreads, tributes have started flooding in. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari in the 2015 election, remarked on Buhari's dedication to his duties, emphasizing his character and love for the country. General Ibrahim Babangida, who was ousted by Buhari in a 1985 coup, also expressed his respect, stating that Buhari remained a figure of moral guidance and humility in public service after his presidency.

Current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended a decree for a national mourning period lasting seven days to honor his predecessor. In an official announcement, Tinubu acknowledged the nation's need to show respect to Buhari, marking the occasion with flags flown at half-mast starting from Sunday. The country is set to pay homage to the former leader with dignity ceremony, reflecting on his dual legacy as both a military and civilian head of state in Nigeria's post-independence history.