Tears and Tributes as Buhari’s Body Arrives Katsina from the UK for Burial Today, July 15

A wave of emotion swept across Nigeria as the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Katsina State today, July 15, 2025, ahead of his final burial rites. The late Nigerian leader, who died on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital at the age of 82, was flown back to his home country for a burial ceremony that has already drawn massive national and international attention.

The chartered flight carrying Buhari’s remains touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina early this morning under tight security and somber skies. Dignitaries, family members, military officers, and thousands of mourners lined the tarmac and nearby roads to pay their last respects to the man who once ruled Nigeria as both a military and democratic leader.

The late president’s coffin, draped in the national colors of green and white, was received by a delegation of senior government officials led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who also chairs the inter-ministerial committee in charge of the state burial arrangements. Alongside him were the Governors of Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and other northern leaders, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff and other top-ranking military personnel.

The body was then moved to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where Islamic burial rites will be conducted in accordance with his wishes and religious traditions. A short prayer session is expected to take place at the Daura Central Mosque before the body is interred in his ancestral compound, beside his late mother’s grave, as he had always instructed. The solemnity of the moment was heightened by chants of prayers and Qur’anic recitations that echoed through the streets of Daura as the funeral procession passed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast earlier today, described Buhari’s return home as a “moment of national mourning and reflection,” urging Nigerians to remember the late president for his patriotism, service, and sacrifices. Tinubu also directed all flags across the country and in Nigerian missions abroad to fly at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect.

Security was visibly beefed up across Katsina State to ensure a smooth burial process. The Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and military personnel were seen patrolling roads, securing venues, and managing the crowds that gathered along the motorcade route. Despite the tight security, emotions overflowed as people, both old and young, struggled to catch a final glimpse of the man they called "Baba."

Markets and shops in major parts of Katsina, including Daura and Funtua, were closed in honor of the former president. The Katsina State Government also declared today a public holiday to allow residents fully participate in the historic farewell.

Reactions have continued to pour in from within and outside the country. Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo both issued statements praising Buhari’s lifelong dedication to Nigeria. Jonathan described him as “a leader whose legacy will be debated, but whose love for Nigeria cannot be questioned,” while Obasanjo noted that “though we had our differences, I never doubted Buhari’s integrity or his commitment to the Nigerian cause.”

Foreign leaders, including U.S. President Kamala Harris, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and several African heads of state have sent condolence messages to the Nigerian government and the Buhari family. The African Union also announced that a moment of silence will be held in his honor at its next summit.

Buhari’s death marks the end of a long and often controversial political journey. From leading Nigeria as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985 to returning as a democratically elected president in 2015 and serving two terms until 2023, Buhari remained a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for over four decades. While his admirers laud his anti-corruption drive and infrastructural developments, critics have pointed to growing insecurity, economic struggles, and restrictions on press freedom during his tenure.

Regardless of divided opinions, the turnout and atmosphere in Katsina today show that Muhammadu Buhari remains a deeply respected figure, especially in the North. Many locals remember him as a humble man who lived simply, even in office, and who never lost touch with his roots.

An elder in Daura, Mallam Abubakar Musa, said tearfully, “Baba lived for Nigeria. He served with honesty and left his mark. We will never forget him. Today, we have truly lost a pillar.”

Buhari’s burial brings to a close days of intense mourning and national reflection. Since the news of his passing broke, tributes have dominated social media, newspapers, and television broadcasts. The National Assembly suspended all legislative activities for a week, while mosques and churches across the country held special prayers for the repose of his soul.

The presidency has confirmed that a formal state memorial service will be held in Abuja next week, where world leaders, former presidents, top political figures, and dignitaries will gather to honor Buhari’s memory. Already, preparations are underway at the National Mosque and Eagle Square for what is expected to be one of the most attended memorials in Nigerian history.

Meanwhile, condolences have continued to flood the Buhari family compound in Daura. His widow, Aisha Buhari, stood bravely beside her husband’s casket this morning, surrounded by children and grandchildren who wept openly. In a brief statement released by the family, they thanked Nigerians for their support and asked for prayers and privacy as they grieve.

As Nigeria lays one of its most iconic sons to rest, questions about his legacy, his leadership, and his impact on the country’s trajectory will undoubtedly continue. But for now, what resonates most in the air is not politics or power, but the raw, human farewell to a man who shaped the nation’s story in ways both profound and controversial.

At exactly 2:35 PM this afternoon, Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest beneath the red sands of Daura, surrounded by prayers, tradition, and the love of a nation in mourning. The sound of the final shovel of earth falling on his grave marked the end of an era — and the beginning of a long contemplation of what his life meant to Nigeria.

From the gates of Aso Rock to the dusty roads of Daura, one thing is certain: Muhammadu Buhari has taken his final bow, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to spark conversations for generations to come.