TRENDING: Nigerians, Public Figures Share Thoughts On Muhammadu Buhari’s Legacy

Nigerians and public figures have taken to social media to react to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, sharing tributes and commentary on his leadership and legacy.

The former president died on Sunday in a London clinic at 82, after days of treatment for an undisclosed illness. His former aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news.

Buhari ruled as military Head of State (1984–1985) and civilian president (2015–2023). Vice President Shettima and President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will travel to the UK to accompany his body, while President Tinubu has ordered flags flown at half-mast.

Tributes

Bashir Ahmad, Digital Media Aide to the late president, shared a reflective quote from Buhari’s final months in office, “Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him, we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me– President Muhammadu Buhari (May, 2023).”

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, wrote, “From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus. May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami, السميع, (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss. He served Nigeria in peacetime and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas.”

Sanusi Dantata, son of late businessman Alhassan Dantata, shared, “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN. Please pray for the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who has died today in a clinic in London. May Allah grant him mercy, forgive his sins, and grant him the highest level of Jannah, Ameen!”

Official photographer of the ex-president, Bayo Omoboriowo, also paid his tribute. He wrote in an Instagram post, “Your duty is done; your watch is over. Rest well, soldier.”

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, also posted, “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raaji’un! The eyes shed tears, and the heart is grieved, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Baba Buhari, we are grieved by your separation. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”

Musician K1 De Ultimate (Kwam 1), photographer Tolani Alli, and other notable figures also paid their respects online.

Islamic scholar, Mufti Menk, also wrote on X, “The passing away of a legend, the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, may Allah have mercy on his soul, brought me to tears! He was an upright man who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability. His name was synonymous with integrity. May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah. Ameen.”

Popular British-Nigerian known as Mohammed Jammal penned a heartfelt tribute:

“President Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t just a leader to me, he was my inspiration, my example, my hero. He led with discipline, with dignity, and with a deep love for this country. I admired him deeply. I loved him sincerely.
With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, a man of discipline, integrity, and unwavering devotion to our nation.
May Allah, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus. We have truly lost a patriot.”

Economist and activist Farrees stated, “The fact that President Muhammadu Buhari wished this country well cannot be denied. He just had to deal with great forces of evil. Allah knows he really tried his best. May Allah reward him and forgive his shortcomings.”

As tributes continued, many Nigerians are also anticipating online for the federal government to declare a public holiday in honour of the late leader.

Memes, hashtags, and messages calling for an official mourning period have flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Quick Facts About Muhammadu Buhari(1942-2025):Nigeria’s Second-Longest Serving Leader

Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. He passed on in a clinic in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Buhari will be remembered as the country’s second longest serving leader—nine years, seven months and 27 days — as one who enforced strict discipline during his time as military head of state.

After three consecutive failed attempts, Buhari was able to return to power in 2015 after defeating the then incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, by 2,571,759 votes.

His winning campaign had emphasised three key promises: to tackle insecurity, stamp out corruption, and fix the economy.

Here are some quick facts about the former military and civilian leader:

  1. Buhari was born into a Muslim family in Daura, Katsina State, North-West Nigeria, in 1942.

  2. He attended the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) from 1956 to 1961.

  3. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna.

  4. He was Nigeria’s second longest serving leader:— 9 years, 7 months and 27 days; He spent 1 year, 7 months and 27 days as military leader (Dec 31, 1983 to Aug 27, 1985) and eight years as democratically elected President (May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023).

  5. He was the first military governor of Borno State in 1976.

  6. He was Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources: 1976
    First Chairman, NNPC: 1977

  7. He was Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF): 1994

  8. On December 31, 1983, as a General, Buhari became the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

  9. His regime as a military leader was renowned for instilling discipline among citizens, popularised by the War Against Indiscipline.

  10. Buhari joined politics in 2003, following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

  11. He contested the presidential election five times, contesting under three political parties(ANPP, CPC and APC),lost three times in 2003, 2007, and 2011, won in his fourth attempt at the presidency in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, defeating the then-incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan.

  12. Buhari was elected and inaugurated twice as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2015 and 2019.

  13. The former president was married to Safinatu Yusuf from 1971 to 1988, and Aisha Halilu since 1989.

  14. He was blessed with 10 children.

  15. He died in a clinic in London on July 13, 2025, aged 82.

Three-Storey Building Collapses In Kano

A three-storey building has collapsed in the Abedi area of Sabongari, Kano State, following a heavy downpour on Sunday evening.

An eyewitness who spoke with our correspondent via telephone confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m.

“We just heard a loud sound after the rain, and the building came down,” the source said. “People are still inside. We don’t know how many, but some are trapped.”

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of people affected remains unknown. However, authorities from the fire service, Red Cross, and police have begun a rescue operation.

‘Nigeria Has Lost A Patriot’, Osinbajo Mourns Buhari

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed profound sadness over the passing of former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osinbajo served as the vice president of Nigeria under President Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

Buhari’s death was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, who directed national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the late leader.

In a statement he personally signed, Osinbajo said that Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.

READ ALSO: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82

The statement reads, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.

“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.

“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

VP Shettima, Gbajabiamila To Accompany Buhari’s Body To Nigeria

Barely a few hours after the death of Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will head to the United Kingdom to accompany the late former president’s body back to Nigeria.

The ex-president, who had battled a prolonged illness, died in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the age of 82.

Buhari’s former special adviser, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news of his passing in a statement.

In a separate release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu confirmed the death of his predecessor and revealed that he has conversed with Buhari’s wife, Mrs Aishat Buhari, while expressing condolence.

The statement further disclosed that President Tinubu has directed national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the late leader.

Buhari was twice elected as Nigeria’s president, serving from 2015 to 2023.

Police Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue 17 Passengers In Taraba 

The Taraba State Police Command said on Sunday that it foiled a kidnap attempt by hoodlums along the Wukari Katsina-Ala Highway. 

Disclosing this in a statement, the Command’s spokesman, James Lashen, said the police swung into action after receiving a distress call that an 18-seater bus belonging to a private company was intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers along the highway shortly after Federal University Wukari.

The white vehicle with registration number 26G-17-TR carrying 17 passengers was en route to Adamawa from Enugu State. 

“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Anthony Jerry, immediately mobilised his patrol team in conjunction with the military who were within the environment and advanced to the scene,” Lashen stated.

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Intervention In Restoring Order Timely — Ibas

It added, “On July 12, 2025, at about 2345hrs, the DPO, Wukari Division, received a distress call stating that, a Toyota bus belonging to the People’s Choice company with plate NO: 26G-17TR, white in colour carrying 17 passengers, coming from Enugu en route to Yola, Adamawa State, was intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers along the highway after Federal University Wukari.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the security teams, took to their heels into the bushes and the passengers were rescued except for one Sadiq Usman, 22 years ‘m’ and Chamba by tribe, who was not seen at the time of the intervention.

“The joint security team combed the bushes and later rescued him unhurt. All passengers are  hale, hearty, and safe.”

He stated that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and prevent further occurrences.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Bretet, commended the operatives for their uncommon feat and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to fighting the menace of kidnapping in the state.