FORMER President, Muhammadu Buhari, was on Tuesday, July 15, laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.

Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, in a hospital in London, United Kingdom (UK), where he was receiving treatment, at the age of 82.

His remains, accompanied by Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and some Buhari family members, landed at the Katsina Airport runway about 1:59 pm and were received by President Bola Tinubu and other family members and thereafter taken to Daura by road to Daura around 3:40pm. 

The funeral prayer was observed at the helipad area in Daura and led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, attended by hundreds of associates, friends, supporters and sympathisers, who joined the family in bidding him farewell.

He was given the last military honour, having retired as a Major-General in the Nigeria Army (NA), with the traditional military salute between 5:32pm and 5:35. 

The Nigerian flag used to cover the body was removed, folded and handed over to his family, while he was laid to rest around 6pm.

The ceremony was witnessed by several local and foreign dignitaries, including Tinubu; Guinea-Bissau President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló; Chadian President, Muhammed Debby; Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ali Muhammane; and Buhari’s deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

Also in attendance include Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; serving and former governors, former and serving ministers, among many others.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday a public holiday in honour of the former military head of state and civilian President.

The funeral, initially scheduled for Monday, was delayed for logistical reasons.