Thousands of mourners across Gombe State on Tuesday gathered to offer prayers for the repose of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died last week in London at the age of 83. The solemn gatherings, marked by tears and heartfelt tributes, underscored the former leader’s influence and the deep respect many Nigerians continue to hold for him.
The largest congregation was held outside Pantami Township Stadium, where Islamic clerics, traditional leaders, and ordinary residents performed Salat al-Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia). The prayers were filled with emotional supplications, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for former President Buhari and asking that he be admitted into Jannatul Firdaus (Paradise).
Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Usman Bello, who led one of the prayers, described Buhari as a leader who, despite controversies, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
“We are here to seek Allah’s mercy for our former president. He served this country with dedication and discipline. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest level of paradise,” Bello said.
Other clerics echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Buhari’s reputation for integrity and his anti-corruption stance, which earned him respect even among critics.
Residents who attended the prayers expressed a deep sense of personal loss, despite Buhari passing away far from home.
“He may have died in London, but we in Gombe feel the pain as if he was one of us,” said Ibrahim Adamu, a local trader who attended the prayers with his children. “He was a father figure, especially to those of us who admired his discipline and leadership style.”
For Fatima Yakubu, a student at the Federal University, Kashere, Buhari’s leadership inspired hope in governance.
“He stood for discipline and integrity. Whether you agreed with all his policies or not, his presence on the national stage was powerful. We pray Allah accepts him and comforts his family,” she said.
Similar prayer sessions were held across mosques and open grounds in different parts of Gombe, with thousands participating peacefully. The turnout reflected the respect Buhari commanded, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he remained a political and cultural icon.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was renowned for his conservative policies and tough anti-corruption campaigns. His death has sparked nationwide mourning, with world leaders and Nigerian political figures paying tribute to his decades-long public service.
Buhari’s remains are expected to be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. Top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, are expected to attend the burial.
In Gombe, residents vowed to continue holding prayer sessions for the late president, hoping that his legacy of discipline and service to the country would inspire future leaders.
“His death is a reminder that power and life are temporary,” Sheikh Bello said. “What matters is the legacy you leave behind.