Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, fought back tears Tuesday as he stood at the graveside of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura.
The governor, dressed in native attire, stood close to the gurney bearing the body at the burial site, reports Channels TV.
Buhari was born in Daura, Katsina State, to a Muslim family, sharing not only a heritage but also a personal and regional connection with the people of Katsina — a bond mirrored in Governor Radda’s emotional moment.
The governor was not the only one overwhelmed by emotion.
Earlier in the day, Fatima Buhari, the deceased president’s daughter, was seen in tears at the family residence in Daura.
Relatives and close friends consoled her as preparations for her father’s final rites were underway.
Other members of the Buhari family also gathered at the residence to pay their last respects.
President Bola Tinubu was present in Katsina to receive Buhari’s remains upon arrival from the United Kingdom.
The former president died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at The London Clinic after a prolonged illness, aged 82.
His body, draped in the Nigerian flag, arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport at approximately 1:59 p.m., accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several family members.
Tinubu, along with First Lady Remi Tinubu — who was seen comforting Buhari’s widow, Aisha —welcomed the remains.
Also present were members of the Katsina State Executive Council, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and other dignitaries.
A military guard of honour performed a farewell parade before the late president was transported to his hometown for burial.
Buhari was Nigeria’s second-longest-serving leader.
