NIGERIA: Buhari’s Body Departs London For Burial In Daura

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari left London on Tuesday morning en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State for a state burial.

The late President’s remains are being transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-level delegation of the Federal Government to oversee the final documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation.

On Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja that President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the former leader in Katsina.

According to Idris, the body is expected to arrive by noon, with a brief military ceremony planned at the airport before it is moved to Daura.

The Jana’iza prayer will follow, after which the late President will be laid to rest at his residence.

As part of national mourning, President Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened at all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Similar registers will be made available at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad.

Another condolence register is being opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The Minister also noted that world leaders have continued to send in condolence messages, describing them as a reflection of Buhari’s global standing and legacy.

To ensure what the government described as a dignified and well-coordinated programme, President Tinubu has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The committee is working closely with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late President.

Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council have also been directed to travel to Katsina for the burial rites and to remain in Daura for the Third-Day prayers on Wednesday.