Thousands Gather in Daura to Honor Former President Muhammadu Buhari at His Funeral Procession 🇳🇬🙏
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the ancient town of Daura in Katsina State, Nigeria, stood still as thousands of mourners gathered to bid a final farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari. 🌹 The revered statesman, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic on Sunday, July 13, 2025, was laid to rest in his hometown, marking the end of an era for a leader whose legacy shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. 🕊️
The funeral procession was a deeply emotional event, reflecting Buhari’s towering presence in Nigerian history. His body, draped in the green-and-white Nigerian flag, arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at noon, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had traveled to London to oversee the repatriation. ✈️ From there, a solemn convoy carried the former president’s remains to Daura, where a sea of mourners, including dignitaries and ordinary citizens, awaited. 🖤
At 4:56 PM, Islamic funeral prayers were held at the central mosque in Daura, led by Sheikh Hassan Yusuf, the Chief Imam. 🕌 Thousands, including mourners from neighboring Niger Republic, lined the streets, their presence a testament to Buhari’s enduring connection with the people, especially the "talakawa" (commoners) of the north, who admired his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance. 💪 The burial took place at Buhari’s family compound, where military gunshots rang out in honor, and the Nigerian flag was folded and presented to his family. 🎖️
The event drew a remarkable array of dignitaries, underscoring Buhari’s influence. President Bola Tinubu, who declared a seven-day national mourning period and a public holiday on Tuesday, attended alongside his son, Seyi Tinubu, and Buhari’s son, Yusuf. 🇳🇬 Other notable figures included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, over 20 state governors, and traditional rulers like the Emirs of Kano, Zazzau, and Damagaram from Niger Republic. 🌍 Foreign leaders, such as Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, also paid their respects, highlighting Buhari’s regional stature. 🤝
Buhari’s life was one of service and discipline. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, he rose from a young army officer to a major general, ruling Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 after a coup. 🪖 Deposed in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida, he later reinvented himself as a “converted democrat,” making history in 2015 as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, in a landmark election. 🗳️ His presidency (2015–2023) was marked by efforts to combat corruption and insecurity, though it faced challenges, including economic recessions and prolonged health-related absences that sparked public debate. 📉
Despite controversies, Buhari’s personal integrity resonated with many. “He didn’t try to enrich himself,” said Alexis Akwagyiram, a Nigerian politics observer, noting his appeal in a country weary of corruption. 🌟 Tributes poured in from across the globe, with leaders like South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African Union Commission Chairperson praising Buhari’s commitment to pan-Africanism and regional stability. 🕊️ Even Babangida, who once ousted him, called Buhari a “moral compass” and a patriot. 🇳🇬
For the people of Daura, the farewell was personal. “Buhari was an upright man who did his best for Nigeria,” said Nasiru Abdullahi, a local mechanic, capturing the sentiment of many who saw him as a symbol of modesty and discipline. 🛠️ As the town swelled with mourners, the heavy security presence underscored Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, a reminder of the complex legacy Buhari leaves behind. 🚨
The funeral was not just a moment of mourning but a celebration of a life dedicated to Nigeria. From his early days herding cattle and attending Qur’anic school to leading Africa’s most populous nation, Buhari’s journey embodied resilience and duty. 🌄 His burial, steeped in Islamic tradition and military honors, was a fitting tribute to a man who, despite his flaws, remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s story. 🕊️
As Nigeria reflects on Buhari’s contributions, his legacy as a patriot, soldier, and statesman endures, etched in the hearts of those who gathered in Daura to say goodbye. 🙏
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