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Thousands gather for funeral prayers in absentia for late president
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Clerics ask Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him paradise
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Residents recall Buhari’s discipline, anti-corruption stance, and legacy
Thousands of mourners filled streets and open grounds across Gombe State on Tuesday to offer Salat al-Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at the age of 83.
The largest crowd assembled outside the Pantami Township Stadium, where Islamic clerics led residents in prayers, seeking Allah’s mercy on Buhari’s soul and forgiveness for his shortcomings.
“Sheikh Usman Bello,” a prominent cleric, said: “We are here to ask Allah’s forgiveness for our late president. He served Nigeria with dedication and humility. May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
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Residents expressed grief over Buhari’s death, with many describing him as a “father figure” and an “embodiment of discipline and integrity.”
“Even though he passed away far from home, his loss is deeply felt in Gombe. He inspired many of us to value public service and integrity,” said Fatima Yakubu, a student at Federal University Kashere.
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The prayer sessions, which took place peacefully across mosques and open grounds, underscored the respect Buhari commanded even in death.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023), was widely known for his anti-corruption campaigns and conservative lifestyle.
