Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday evening at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, following funeral prayers and interment attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Thousands of mourners gathered along the streets of Daura and around the late President’s residence to pay their final respects, marking an emotional farewell to a leader who served Nigeria for decades.

The former President’s final journey began earlier in the day when his remains arrived from London at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at 1:51 p.m. aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

President Tinubu was joined at the airport by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Republic Issoufou Mahamadou, former Nigerian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as well as several state governors, ministers, and leading figures from the private sector.

The late President’s remains were conveyed in a military hearse on a solemn one hour drive to Daura, accompanied by a high level procession of national and international dignitaries.

Upon arrival, a brief lying in state ceremony was conducted at the late President’s residence. This was followed by the Salatul Janazah (funeral prayer), led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura.

At exactly 5:50 p.m., former President Muhammadu Buhari was interred in the very grounds of his beloved home at a spot where he often sat in quiet reflection during his lifetime.

The state funeral featured full military honours, including a reveille and a 21 gun salute, in recognition of his service as Nigeria’s Head of State and Commander in Chief.

A weeklong programme of mourning has been declared. Events will continue later on Tuesday with an official condolence visit to the family by the Presidential Committee.