President Bola Tinubu received the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. The plane carrying Buhari’s remains, escorted by Vice President Kashim Shettima, landed at 1:51 pm. Upon arrival, President Tinubu inspected a guard of honor before joining other dignitaries to pay their respects to the former President.
The ceremony was marked by a display of military honors, including a 21-gun salute and a full military guard of honor comprising six officers and 96 soldiers. The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was conveyed by nine senior military officers, who served as pallbearers. The officers included Major-General Mohammed Usman and Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, among others.
After the guard of honor was inspected, the casket was wheeled to a military hearse, which would transport it to Daura, Buhari’s hometown. The former President would be laid to rest in Daura, where funeral prayers and burial rites would take place in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The burial arrangements were coordinated by a high-level inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Senator George Akume. The committee worked closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to ensure that the burial was conducted with the dignity and respect due to the former President’s office.
As part of the national response to Buhari’s passing, President Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period, during which national flags would fly at half-mast. July 15 was also declared a public holiday in recognition of the former President’s service to the nation.
The international community also paid tribute to Buhari, with condolence messages pouring in from heads of state and foreign dignitaries. Several world leaders were expected to attend the burial, paying their respects to the former President and offering condolences to the Buhari family and the people of Nigeria.
The ceremony at the airport was attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, military leaders, and traditional rulers. The atmosphere was somber, reflecting the respect and admiration for the former President’s service to the nation. As the casket was transported to Daura, Nigerians across the country reflected on Buhari’s legacy and the impact of his presidency on the nation
