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A wave of grief has swept across Katsina State as thousands of residents trooped into Daura, the hometown of former President Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of his burial today.
The late Nigerian leader, who died on Sunday at the age of 82 in London, is expected to make his final journey home with his remains arriving at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, before proceeding to Daura for internment.
Daily Post observed that the ancient city of Daura has become a hub of activity since the early hours of Monday, with heightened security presence, an influx of sympathisers and the arrival of prominent Nigerians.
Former cabinet members, state governors, traditional rulers and dignitaries including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; and former ministers have all arrived in Daura to pay their last respects.
According to Islamic rites, Buhari will be buried in his private residence this afternoon, in the presence of family, close associates and clerics.
Several residents described the moment as the “end of an era,” noting that Daura and the entire Katsina State will never be the same again following Buhari’s passing.
“Our land will never remain the same again. Buhari brought light and honour to this town. We have lost a giant,” said Malam Salihu Usman, a Daura elder.
Malam Abubakar Musa, Elder in Daura “We watched him rise from this soil to the highest office in the land. Today, we receive him one last time. Our hearts are heavy, but we are proud.”
Hauwa Buhari, a distant relative, “Daura has lost its pillar. Baba was more than a president to us, he was a father, a protector, a symbol of hope.”
Yusuf Lawal, “Even those of us who disagreed with him politically respected his discipline. Nigeria has lost a statesman, and Daura has lost its identity.”
Alhaji Umar Sani, “It is Allah who gives and takes. Today we pray for mercy upon the soul of our son. May Jannatul Firdaus be his final abode.”
Zainab Abdullahi, “The streets are quiet, the air is sorrowful. Whether you knew him personally or not, Buhari’s presence was always felt here.”
