Former President Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82.
President Bola Tinubu, while confirming the development in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Buhari died in London at about 4:30 pm on Sunday.
Tinubu also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany the former president’s body back to Nigeria.
According to the statement, Tinubu has spoken with the former President’s widow, Mrs Aishat Buhari, and offered his deep condolences.
He also ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences.
“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Also confirming Buhari’s death, his former special adviser, Garba Shehu, in a terse statement said, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” he said.
Buhari was Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023.
He also served as the military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
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