The ancient town of Daura in Katsina State became the focus of national attention on Tuesday as dignitaries, political juggernauts, and prominent Nigerians began arriving in large numbers for the final burial rites of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital.
A blanket of solemnity covered the town, matched only by the tight security presence enveloping the area. Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army were deployed to maintain order and ensure smooth passage for the dignitaries and the swelling crowds of sympathizers.
Strategic security arrangements included multiple checkpoints, traffic diversions, and strict crowd control measures, all aimed at preserving the sanctity of the event and accommodating the thousands of mourners converging on Daura to bid farewell to the late leader.
The early hours of the day witnessed the arrival of several high-profile figures from Nigeria’s political and business circles. Among them were former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, who served during different political eras yet united in mourning the demise of the former president they once crossed paths with.
Also present was former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, whose political trajectory often intersected with Buhari’s in both cabinet affairs and party formation.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan arrived as well, reflecting the bipartisan reverence the late president continues to command. The list of mourners expanded further to include former state governors who once played central roles in Buhari’s political coalition or governed under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These included Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), a former PDP National Chairman.
Among non-political figures paying tribute was billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, whose business interests in Nigeria flourished under Buhari’s infrastructure-led development drive. Also in attendance were Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs.
The influx of mourners is expected to peak with the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will lead the federal government delegation in person, and join a host of religious clerics, traditional rulers, and citizens of all backgrounds gathering to honor the life and times of the man known fondly in the north as “Baba Buhari.”
Daura, Buhari’s hometown, has taken on a solemn yet dignified atmosphere in anticipation of the funeral prayer and interment ceremony scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, in accordance with Islamic customs. The burial follows the arrival of the former president’s body earlier in the day, after it was flown from London aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
With Nigeria observing a national holiday in Buhari’s memory and flags flying at half-mast, Daura has become the symbolic epicenter of a nation in mourning—welcoming waves of condolence, reflection, and remembrance from both home and abroad.
What you should know
High-profile politicians, business leaders, and supporters gathered in Daura, Katsina State, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Security was tight, and the funeral has drawn a wide array of dignitaries, with President Tinubu and other leaders expected to join. The late president’s influence continues to resonate across political divides.
