President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several former Nigerian Heads of State are expected in Daura today, Monday, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
In keeping with Islamic tradition, Buhari’s remains will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, within 24 hours of his death.
VP Shettima Accompanies Body from London
Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on President Tinubu’s directive, accompanied the late President’s body from London, where he died at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Presidency officials confirmed that the body would arrive Nigeria early Monday morning and be flown directly to Daura for Janazah prayers and burial rites.
> “The burial is today (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse overnight. They’ll go straight to Daura. Islamic rites don’t take time,” a senior official said anonymously.
President to Join Burial Procession
Another source confirmed that President Tinubu, who returned to the country early Monday, is expected to join the proceedings in Daura later in the day.
> “When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them,” the source said.
Security has been intensified in Daura ahead of the high-profile gathering, with federal forces deployed to secure key areas and control the anticipated crowd.
West African Leaders Expected
Presidency insiders also revealed that some West African leaders may begin arriving from today for condolence visits. Details of their attendance remain fluid.
> “It’s likely that some ECOWAS leaders will come. If they arrive, they’ll remain in Abuja or nearby until scheduled to meet the President,” a Foreign Affairs official said.
Tributes Pour In
President Tinubu, in a brief statement Sunday evening, described Buhari as “a disciplined leader and patriot who gave his all in service of Nigeria.”
Flags are flying at half-mast nationwide, while an official mourning period is expected to be announced by the Federal Government in the coming days.
The late Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, after ruling earlier as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
Nigerians across political, religious, and ethnic divides have continued to pay tribute to the late statesman, recalling his anti-corruption campaign, infrastructural strides, and firm leadership style.
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