Governor Radda Fights Tears as Buhari is Laid to Rest in Daura

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State struggled to hold back tears on Tuesday as he stood at the graveside of former President Muhammadu Buhari during his final rites in Daura.

Clad in his traditional attire, the governor stood close to the casket bearing Buhari’s body, visibly moved by the loss of a man with whom he shared deep personal and regional ties. Buhari, a native of Daura, was born and raised in Katsina State—a connection that made the moment even more emotional for Radda and the people of the state.

But the grief wasn’t his alone.

At the Buhari family home in Daura, the late president’s daughter, Fatima Buhari, broke down in tears earlier in the day. Relatives and close associates gathered around to console her as the solemn preparations for her father’s burial continued.

Family members, friends, and elders gathered to bid farewell to the elder statesman who once led Nigeria both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received Buhari’s body shortly after it arrived from the United Kingdom at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at about 1:59 p.m. The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of Buhari’s family.

The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was also present and was seen comforting the late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari.

Other dignitaries, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and members of the Katsina State Executive Council, joined the ceremony. A solemn military parade was held in Buhari’s honour before his body was transported to Daura for interment.

Buhari passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was 82.

The nation continues to mourn the loss of a leader who served as Nigeria’s second-longest-serving head of state.