By Atoyebi Nike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in London to lead a presidential delegation tasked with repatriating the remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
Acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima departed Nigeria early Monday alongside the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. They were received in the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
The Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the development via a statement issued Monday morning.
According to official sources, the former leader died in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. In a national broadcast shortly after the announcement, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and instructed that Buhari’s body be returned home for burial in accordance with Islamic customs.
A state directive has also been issued for the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the country in mourning.
Buhari, who was Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, previously served as military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985. His remains are scheduled to be interred later today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
