The remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, were laid to rest on Tuesday at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The burial was preceded by a funeral prayer led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Hassan Yusuf, held at an open field near the late president’s home.
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After the prayers, both the Chief Imam and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, offered special supplications for the repose of Buhari’s soul.
The solemn occasion was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zaine, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, former Nigerien President Muhammadou Issoufou, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Also in attendance were several state governors, federal and state lawmakers, ministers, diplomats, business leaders, and captains of industry, all of whom gathered to pay their last respects to the late statesman.
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A massive crowd of mourners flooded the streets of Daura, particularly along the Maiadua Road leading to Buhari’s residence, causing major traffic gridlock and road closures.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu, along with the foreign dignitaries, received Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina.
The body, flown in from London aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, was received with full military honours, including a parade by officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The casket was conveyed in a military ambulance to Daura, accompanied by a long convoy led by President Tinubu and other high-ranking officials.
The late President Muhammadu Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a two-term civilian President, died in London at the age of 82.