By Atoyebi Nike
Thousands of mourners across Gombe State gathered on Tuesday to perform Salat al-Gha’ib, the Islamic funeral prayer in absentia, for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London at the age of 83.
The largest prayer session took place outside Pantami Township Stadium, where clerics led prayers for divine mercy, forgiveness, and eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus for the late president.
“Sheikh Usman Bello described Buhari as a leader who served with devotion, leaving a legacy that would not be forgotten,” one cleric said.
Despite the former leader passing away abroad, many residents expressed a strong sense of personal loss. Ibrahim Adamu, a local trader, said, “He may have died in London, but we feel the pain here. He was a father figure to many of us.”
Fatima Yakubu, a student from Federal University Kashere, noted, “He inspired many of us with his discipline and leadership. Whether or not you agreed with his policies, you felt his presence in national life.”
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and then as an elected president from 2015 to 2023, was widely respected for his anti-corruption drive and conservative values.
The peaceful prayer sessions across Gombe reflected the deep respect he commanded in life and death.
