Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello touched down in Daura, Katsina State, this morning, joining early dignitaries gathering for the funeral rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose death in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025, has sparked global mourning and a week-long national reflection.
Bello’s arrival underscores the growing list of high-profile political figures converging in Buhari’s hometown for what promises to be a solemn yet historic farewell. Buhari’s remains landed earlier at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and close family members.
Preparations are in full swing for the state funeral scheduled for later today. The burial, to be held at Buhari’s private residence in Daura, will follow Islamic rites in accordance with his lifelong faith and customs. Federal authorities have confirmed that the ceremony will include military honors, a traditional prayer session, and a condolence visit led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Security has been heightened across Katsina State, especially around Daura, with joint forces conducting surveillance and managing crowd control to ensure order as mourners arrive from across Nigeria and beyond. Locals in Daura say the town hasn’t seen this level of activity since Buhari’s re-election victory celebrations in 2019.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria both as a military head of state (1983–1985) and a two-term democratic president (2015–2023), leaves behind a legacy marked by anti-corruption advocacy, a controversial economic reset, and intense debates over security and human rights.
Yahaya Bello, who was often seen as one of Buhari’s staunchest political allies during his presidency, is expected to deliver a personal tribute alongside other top northern leaders, military chiefs, and dignitaries from ECOWAS and the wider international community.
The federal government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a national public holiday in Buhari’s honor, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast for seven days. Nigerians across states are gathering for prayer walks and memorials, while radio and television stations are broadcasting tributes throughout the day.
