- Remi Tinubu joins Buhari family and mourners at solemn funeral ceremonies held in Daura, Katsina State.
- Massive security deployed across Katsina and Daura as public turnout grows for ex-president’s burial rites.
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday arrived in Katsina State to receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at 82.
The presidential aircraft landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina at exactly 1:45pm.
Tinubu was welcomed by the governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, alongside some state governors, government officials, traditional rulers, and top security officers.
The president’s arrival signalled the commencement of burial rites for the former Nigerian leader.
Buhari’s remains were expected to be buried later in the day at his hometown in Daura, in line with Islamic traditions.
Earlier, the first lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, arrived in Katsina for the funeral proceedings.
She joined the Buhari family, top dignitaries and sympathisers who had already gathered to honour the late president.
Tight security was observed in both Katsina and Daura as crowds thronged the streets to mourn the ex-president.
Political associates, monarchs, and residents turned out in large numbers to pay tribute to Buhari, popularly known as “Baba Mai Gaskiya”.
The phrase, which means “Man of Truth” in Hausa, was widely used to describe his character.
Buhari was Nigeria’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 before he returned as a civilian president in 2015.
He completed his second term in 2023 after a controversial but history-making political comeback.
His administration was marked by an anti-corruption campaign, military offensives against insurgents, and emphasis on national discipline.
Tinubu had earlier described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria”.
Global leaders have continued to send condolences as Buhari’s burial is set to mark the end of an era in Nigeria’s political narrative.