Nigeria's former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died in a London hospital after a reported period of illness. The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon by his longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement shared via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
According to Shehu, "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.” Reports indicate that the former Nigerian leader had been battling an undisclosed illness and had been receiving medical treatment in the United Kingdom for several weeks.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his anti-corruption stance and efforts to combat insurgency in the Northeast during his tenure. His presidency was marked by both praise and criticism over issues ranging from security to economic policy and civil liberties. He was 82 years old.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements and official tributes are expected in the coming hours. The nation and the international community are likely to pay their respects to the former leader in the days ahead.
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