As the burial of late former President Muhammadu Buhari holds on Tuesday (today), insights from his kinsmen, domestic workers, neighbours, and close associates reveal how he spent his last two years at his Daura country home after leaving office.
Buhari, 82, died in a London hospital on Sunday and will be laid to rest at his compound in Daura, Katsina State, today, closing the chapter of a life marked by service, humility, and compassion.
Before the burial, however, some of his staff members said Buhari was well-known for his compassion towards animals, especially his pets.
Some of his domestic staff told The PUNCH that the former President cherished three tortoises aged 28 and 30, along with a great kiskadee bird that frequently visited them.
His special bond with the animals became evident during his last years at home, bringing him joy and comfort.
Beyond his pets, Buhari also cared for various farm animals, including bulls, camels, both local and foreign cows, horses, and piccolo birds. Domestic workers say his kindness will always be remembered and cherished, as his love and care for animals left a lasting impression on those around him.
“His love and care for pets and other animals will always be remembered,” a staff member told The PUNCH.
After his retirement in Daura, Buhari continued to surround himself with domestic workers who offered him companionship and support. The presence of trusted workers eased the loneliness he felt after his presidency, sources said. Domestic workers said he has remained warm and approachable long before his political career.
Speaking in Hausa, some workers recounted how Buhari valued their company and relied on them emotionally. They shared stories of his generosity and compassion, such as visiting a worker who lost a son and personally attending their naming ceremony, spending hours offering comfort.
“Our late boss was more than an employer; he was a guardian and friend to us and our families,” one worker told our correspondent.
“By having us near him, we could see that he felt relaxed, engaged and sometimes even secure whenever we were around him because it enhanced his wellbeing. We must say that this arrangement was not only beneficial to him but to us as well. Having a chat with the former military and civilian President, discussing as friends, made us proud of ourselves.
“Our late boss not only provided employment opportunities to us, but served as a guardian to our families and friends. I recall when one lost his son, our late boss visited his house and spent five hours mourning with him and there was an uncomfortable naming ceremony where he personally visited us at home with his presence.
“He will be missed because we lost a friend, guardian and our employer. His presence brought us pride and comfort,” another recounted.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who visited Buhari’s residence in Daura to pay his respects on Monday, praised Buhari’s legacy of integrity and service.
“His 2015 election was based on his exemplary record in public service and integrity. Nigerians embraced him because he truly lived a life of service,” Lawan said, adding, “While no one is perfect, his dedication to the people is a model for all leaders. We must learn to be honest with our leaders and support constructive dialogue.”
During the Lahasarh prayers at a local mosque in Daura, the Imam led heartfelt supplications for the late President’s soul, asking for divine mercy and eternal peace. The congregation joined in with “Ameen,” honouring Buhari’s memory.
The prayers offered solace to mourners and underscored the community’s faith during this time of loss.
Suleiman Ammali, a close childhood friend of the late President, spoke emotionally about his passing.
“My face tells you the whole story of my heart. We can only take heart, God has already destined him not to reach more years. I am among his closest friends.
“My heart aches, but I take comfort knowing God has His plan. Buhari was a principled man who never misused public funds.
“Nigerians, especially in the north, will truly miss a good father and leader,” Ammali said.
Neighbours also highlighted Buhari’s humility and kindness as defining traits throughout his life.
Hajiya Bilkisu Isah, said, “His simplicity and excellent character will always be remembered in this community.”
Ismaila Ibrahim, another neighbour, told The PUNCH that Buhari never let power change him.
“He was humble and disciplined till the end. For over 50 years, we lived peacefully together here in Daura,” Ibrahim said, highlighting Buhari’s generosity during festive seasons.
“Every Sallah, he distributed food, rams, money, and essentials to the less privileged. His home was always filled with people during celebrations.”
The former President succumbed to a prolonged illness at 4:30pm at a London clinic on Sunday, according to the family.
Buhari had travelled for follow-up care but suffered a sudden downturn last week.
President Bola Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning, during which flags are flying at half-mast nationwide and at Nigerian missions abroad.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari first seized power in a 1983 coup and returned 32 years later as Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent, serving two civilian terms (2015-2023).
Tinubu, on Monday, approved the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the planning and coordination of a state funeral for the late former President.
The committee, to be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is tasked with delivering a befitting burial ceremony for the late leader, who passed away on Sunday.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the committee includes several key ministers and top security officials. Among them are the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, FCT, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare (State), and Culture and Creative Economy.
“National Security Adviser, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services and Chief of Defence Staff,” he added.
Imohiosen said the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the secretariat for the committee.
He noted that the President directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to open condolence registers at the entrance of their offices for members of the public to pay their last respects.
Additionally, he said a central condolence register will be available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, to enable the diplomatic community and the general public to express their sympathies.
“In honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, President Tinubu has also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to open condolence registers at the entrance of their respective offices for the public to pay their respects to the late Elder Statesman.
“Additionally, a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. Further briefings will follow as the days unfold,” the statement added.
In London, former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday visited Vice President Kashim Shettima and his delegation as they paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Jonathan, Akufo-Addo Visit VP Shettima In London, Pay Tribute To Buhari.’
Vice President Shettima was in London on President Tinubu’s directive to accompany former President Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
His delegation includes Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.
The VP, on behalf of President Tinubu, paid a condolence visit to Aisha Buhari, widow of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, along with her family, in London, United Kingdom, on Monday.
The Vice President also visited the late President’s nephew, Mamman Daura, who is recuperating in a London hospital and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.).
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, the 83-year-old Abubakar revealed that he was in the same London hospital where Buhari died on Sunday.
The elder statesman said, “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I had been discharged. When I heard the news of his passing, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken back home.”
Abdulsalami said Buhari’s passing will reverberate through Nigeria’s political landscape and influence the nation’s power equations ahead of the 2027 elections.
“With the passing away of President Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change, I hope for the better,” he noted.
Abdulsalami, who oversaw Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, said the former president’s passing was a big blow to Nigeria.
“Certainly, his death has been a big blow to Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has asked the Vice President to come to escort the body.
“This shows you the magnitude that has befallen our Nigeria,” he explained.
Tracing their relationship back six decades, Abdulsalami described Buhari as a reserved and trustworthy person.
“My relationship with President Buhari goes back to 1962. We joined the military, he was my senior.
“During the unfortunate Civil War we were fighting in the same sector.
“General Buhari is a gentleman who is very quiet but exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” the former Head of State stated.
He credited the late leader with pioneering the War Against Indiscipline during his 1984-85 military rule, a campaign he said made “Nigeria cleaner and more respectful.”
“Unfortunately, we lost those values he tried to inculcate in Nigerians.
“When he became the democratic president again, he tried his best to make sure that he fights corruption.
“Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him were found wanting,” he added.
Shettima’s condolence visits were conducted while the Federal Government’s delegation awaited the conclusion of procedures and documentation for the repatriation of former President Buhari’s body to Nigeria. His remains will be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State at 2:00pm Tuesday, Governor Dikko Radda revealed in an interview aired on Katsina State Television on Monday.
Meanwhile, the FG has declared Tuesday, July 15 (today) as a public holiday in honour of the late former President.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
Monday’s declaration comes as part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by the President to pay tribute to Buhari’s life and legacy.
In a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity.
He added that the public holiday is meant to offer Nigerians a moment to reflect on the late president’s contributions to the country’s democratic journey and national development.
“In furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 13, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
“The holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development. President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation.
“This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the statement partly read.
The minister urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
“As earlier announced, the national flags are to fly at half-mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday, July 13, 2025.
“The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul,” the minister added.
PUNCH.
