Abuja — President Muhammadu Buhari last night sent a condolence message to the people and government of Burundi over the death of their president, Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza.

In the condolence message made available by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari described Nkurunziza as a patriot who led his country through turbulent times.

"It is with profound grief and sadness that we received the news of the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

President Nkurunziza was a true patriot that steered the country through turbulent times with wisdom and foresight.

"The Government of the Republic of Burundi announces with great sadness the unexpected death of His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi following heart failure on June 8, 2020," it said in a post on its official Twitter account.