A wave of dignitaries—ranging from former political office holders to top traditional rulers—have begun arriving in Daura, Katsina State, to pay their final respects to Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Buhari will be laid to rest later today at his residence in Daura. Funeral prayers are scheduled for 2 p.m. at the emir’s palace, after which he will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
A PREMIUM TIMES correspondent stationed in Katsina and Daura reported that the ancient city has witnessed a steady influx of high-profile visitors since news of the former president’s passing broke.
On Monday, Governor Dikko Radda led a delegation from the Katsina State government, accompanied by top security officials, including the state’s police commissioner, the commander of the 17 Brigade, and the director of the State Security Service (SSS). The team was in Daura to oversee and coordinate preparations for the burial.
Condolence visits began at the late president’s residence in the GRA area of Daura, where extended family members received sympathizers. Large tents have been set up within the expansive compound to accommodate mourners arriving from across the country.
Guests at the residence were welcomed by Governor Radda, along with Buhari’s nephews—Fatuhu Muhammad and Musa Haro—as well as close associates including former aviation minister Hadi Sirika and Garba Shehu, Buhari’s longtime spokesperson.
The Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk, also hosted several dignitaries at his palace, where traditional courtesies and condolences were exchanged.
Among those who have arrived in Daura to honor the late leader are former governors Aminu Masari (Katsina), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), as well as former communications minister Isa Pantami. Traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar, and the Emir of Kazaure, Ahmad Dangiwa, were also in attendance.
Both the federal government and the Katsina State government declared Tuesday a public holiday to allow Nigerians to mourn the passing of the former president, who served as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and returned to power democratically from 2015 to 2023.
