Last Goodbye: Tinubu,Embaló, Niger PM, Others Pay Final Respects to Buhari in Daura

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, were among the thousands who gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to pay their last respects to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buhari’s remains were flown back to Nigeria aboard Nigerian Air Force flight FGT 001. The aircraft, which conveyed the body from London, touched down at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina around 2:00 p.m., accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

President Tinubu, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several state governors were present to receive the body. Following a brief farewell parade in honour of the late Commander-in-Chief, the remains were transported by road to Daura.

The funeral prayer took place at the Daura Helipad after 4:00 p.m., led by Imam Hassan Yusuf. Among those in attendance were former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, members of the National Assembly, and several traditional rulers including the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, as well as the Emirs of Zazzau, Dutse, and Kazaure.

Prominent business figures such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal also joined the crowd in honouring the former president.

Following the funeral rites, Buhari’s remains were laid to rest at his private residence in Daura.

Though access to the venue was initially restricted, large crowds were later allowed to enter. Many mourners spoke fondly of Buhari, celebrating his integrity, discipline, and commitment to the people.

“He was a great man who loved staying with his people and offering a helping hand to them,” said Salisu Lawal, a resident of Daura.

Aliyu Nasiru described the loss as a monumental one: “The death has created a vacuum that is difficult to fill. He will continue to be remembered for his good virtues.”

He also prayed, “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”