Buhari’s Final Journey: From London to Daura, Nigeria Bids Farewell

🇳🇬 Pidgin Version

<p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground"><strong>Naija stood still</strong> as the body of former President <strong>Muhammadu Buhari</strong> began its final journey on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. From London to Katsina, and finally to Daura, the man many knew as <em>“Mai Gaskiya”</em> the Honest One was laid to rest in the same hometown where his life began.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">The military aircraft carrying Buhari’s remains touched down at <strong>Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport</strong> around 2:00 p.m. The atmosphere was heavy. Soldiers formed a guard of honour. Close friends, family members, and government officials stood solemn as the draped casket emerged.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground"><strong>Vice President Kashim Shettima</strong> led the federal delegation that accompanied the body from the UK. <strong>President Bola Tinubu</strong>, who had arrived earlier, received the casket alongside <strong>Governor Dikko Radda</strong> and <strong>First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu</strong>. The presence of these figures highlighted just how deeply intertwined Buhari’s story was with Nigeria’s political evolution.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">Once the formalities were done, the late president’s body was quietly placed in a hearse. No unnecessary fanfare just a slow, respectful road trip to <strong>Daura</strong>, a nod to Buhari’s lifelong preference for humility and staying close to his roots.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">The convoy’s journey was met with waves of mourners. From Katsina to Daura, the roads were lined with people: some weeping, others whispering prayers, many simply watching in silence. It was a moment of collective remembrance.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">In Daura, preparations had been made for the <strong>Islamic burial rites</strong>, which were performed in line with his faith. For a man who ruled Nigeria twice—first as a military leader in the 1980s, and later as a democratically elected president—this quiet, dignified burial captured both his contradictions and convictions.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">Whether you saw him as a disciplinarian, a patriot, or a polarizing figure, <strong>Buhari’s place in Nigeria’s story is undeniable</strong>. On this day, even critics paused to honour his service and legacy.</p><p class="my-6 leading-relaxed text-foreground">From military barracks to Aso Rock and now back to the soil of Daura, Buhari’s final homecoming was deeply Nigerian simple, spiritual, and soaked in the <em>naija vibe</em> of respect for the dead.</p>