Nigeria Mourns as Buhari’s Body Returns for Simple Burial
The body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 in a London hospital, is being flown back to Nigeria. He will be buried in his hometown of Daura in Katsina state.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who is currently in London with Buhari’s family, confirmed that the burial will take place on Monday. Daura is about 80 kilometres from Katsina city.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is also in London and will travel with Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. On social media, Shettima confirmed that Daura would be Buhari’s final resting place.
According to the governor, Buhari died after a short illness. Although the cause of death was not revealed, Buhari had struggled with health issues for many years.
Despite being a former president, Buhari will not have a state funeral. An Islamic cleric, Abdullahi Garangamawa, told the BBC that Buhari will be buried quickly following Islamic rules. He explained that night burials are not encouraged, so if the body arrives late, the burial will happen on Tuesday morning.
Tributes are pouring in for Buhari, who led Nigeria both as a military and civilian president. Former President Goodluck Jonathan said Buhari was selfless and served Nigeria with great patriotism.
Former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, who once overthrew Buhari in a coup, praised him as a modest man who remained a guide to many people even after leaving office.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a seven-day national mourning. In his condolence message, Tinubu said Nigeria will honour Buhari with dignity, starting with lowering the national flag to half-mast across the country.
