It was a sad day across Nigeria on Sunday as news broke of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement was made by President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that Buhari died in London after a brief illness.
Although the cause of death was not officially disclosed by the family, reports suggest that the former president had been battling leukemia, a form of blood cancer, for some time before his passing.
Buhari’s death has sparked widespread grief, with tributes pouring in from Nigerian politicians, world leaders, and citizens across all walks of life. Many have praised his service to the country, both as a military leader and a democratically elected president.
His body is expected to arrive in Nigeria today, Monday, for burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials are accompanying the remains.
Following his exit from office on May 29, 2023, Buhari returned to Daura to live a quiet life, tending to his cattle. However, he later moved back to his Kaduna residence on February 25, 2025 — a move many linked to political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Shortly after the news of his death, hundreds of Nigerians gathered at his Kaduna home to mourn. Former Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, was among the early visitors who paid their respects.
Security has been heightened in both Kaduna and Daura. Military trucks and heavily armed soldiers have been deployed, restricting movement and ensuring safety around the late president’s residence and burial site.
President Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, marking a long and impactful career in Nigeria’s history.