Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried at his home in northern Nigeria. He died on Monday at the age of 82 in a clinic in London, two days after his passing. His body was flown back to Nigeria and Islamic funeral prayers were held at the central mosque in Daura. The burial took place with dignitaries including Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and former military ruler Gen Ibrahim Babangida in attendance.
The government declared Tuesday a public holiday to honour Buhari, who served two four-year terms after defeating a sitting president. His successor, Bola Tinubu, attended the airport in Katsina state to receive the remains. Military gunshots were fired before the burial, and the Nigerian flag was removed from the corpse.
The funeral procession initially started on Monday but was delayed due to logistical reasons. Vice-President Kashim Shettima accompanied the late leader’s corpse back to Nigeria. Buhari’s body was interred in a grave dug in his home grounds with dignitaries present.
Tributes poured in for the late leader, who described as selfless and patriotic. Gen Ibrahim Babangida called him “a moral compass” even in retirement. Former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised Buhari, saying he “served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism”. A seven-day national mourning period was declared by Tinubu to pay respects to his predecessor.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93kxl08glwo