Daura, Katsina state – Tension and sorrow fill the air in Daura, hometown of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as grave-digging quietly commenced on Tuesday morning, July 15, at his private residence.

This comes ahead of his burial scheduled for later in the day, following the expected arrival of his remains from London.

Security has been heavily reinforced in and around the residence, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed at strategic locations.

According to Garba Shehu, former spokesman to the late president, Buhari’s body is expected to arrive Nigeria between 11 am and 12 pm on Tuesday, July 15.

"The burial prayer will take place today, but the venue will be confirmed by the Katsina State Government," Shehu said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to personally receive the body at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina.

He had earlier dispatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to London to accompany the body back to Nigeria.

As reported by Daily Trust who visited the late president’s Daura residence on Tuesday morning, a quiet but solemn atmosphere hung over the area.

Several security officials stood guard while a few select workers began digging the grave.

A source close to the family, who asked not to be named, confirmed:

“The grave-digging has already started. A specific section of the compound was marked yesterday for the burial. It is being prepared with care and will be fenced for privacy and security.”

Residents of Daura and neighbouring communities have been trooping in quietly to pay their respects, even as access to the compound remains tightly restricted.

“This is a painful moment. We knew this day would come, but it still feels surreal. Buhari was not just a leader, he was our brother, our pride," said Malam Bashir, a neighbour.

Buhari passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, 13 July, after a prolonged illness.

The federal government has declared Tuesday a public holiday and announced seven days of national mourning.

His funeral is expected to follow Islamic rites, with prayers and interment to take place later today.

As final preparations continue, Nigeria watches closely as one of its most prominent figures is laid to rest in the town where his life began.

Previously, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered that all national flags in Nigeria be flown at half-staff for seven days, following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari, who served as both military head of state and later as a two-term civilian president, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London after a prolonged illness.

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Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng