Nigeria was thrown into mourning on Sunday evening following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His passing was officially announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement issued by the State House.
According to the release signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Buhari died around 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu, expressing deep sorrow over the loss, spoke with the former First Lady, Mrs. Aishat Buhari, offering his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the nation.
In a swift directive, Tinubu ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late President’s body back to Nigeria for final rites.
“As a mark of respect for the former leader, President Tinubu has also directed that the national flag be flown at half-staff across the country,” the statement read.
Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Major General, first served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 following a military coup. He later returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015 and was re-elected for a second term in 2019.
His presidency, spanning nearly a decade, was marked by a strong anti-corruption agenda, a mixed economic record, and a persistent security crisis in parts of the country.
Buhari, 82, had been residing in the United Kingdom for several months, receiving medical treatment.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.
