Nigeria Holds Final Prayers For Late Buhari In Daura

A three-day prayer session has been held in Daura, Katsina State, for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital.

The prayer, known as Fida’u, took place at his residence and drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

The solemn gathering was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and other high-ranking figures including Amb. Babagana Kingibe and former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami. Royal figures such as the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, and Bade, as well as the Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, were also present.

The prayer session brought together former governors, lawmakers, religious leaders, business leaders, Buhari’s relatives, and thousands of mourners from different walks of life. The gathering reflected the deep respect and admiration many had for the late leader, who served Nigeria in both military and civilian roles.

The prayers were led by respected Islamic clerics including Prof. Ali Pantami, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, and Prof. Ibrahim Makari, among others. Christian leaders such as Bishop Mamman Musa also took part, showing unity in grief. The clerics called on Nigerians to continue praying for the late president and others who have passed on, reminding attendees that prayer for the dead should go beyond traditional timelines.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Shettima offered words of gratitude and comfort. He commended the Katsina State Government for its hospitality, noting that Governor Radda had stood with the federal delegation from London to Nigeria. Shettima described Buhari as a leader driven by justice, whose sincerity often went unrecognized during his time in power.

He assured the late president’s family that the Tinubu administration would continue to honour Buhari’s legacy and support the people of Katsina. He also announced plans for a special Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja to formally pay tribute to the deceased leader.

Governor Radda described Buhari as a man of integrity who served Nigeria selflessly. He expressed the state’s appreciation to the federal government for the overwhelming support during the mourning period. Radda thanked President Tinubu for allowing 25 ministers to travel to Katsina for the prayer and for declaring a public holiday to honour Buhari’s burial.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also acknowledged Buhari’s place in the history of Nigeria. He urged citizens to keep praying for the late leader and reflected on the impact Buhari had on both his hometown and the nation.

The event ended with a unified call for remembrance and continued prayers, marking the close of a national farewell to a former head of state whose life left a lasting imprint on Nigeria.