President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who died at the age of 92.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during the communal violence that engulfed parts of Plateau State. His actions were widely hailed as a powerful demonstration of interfaith harmony and courage.
In a statement, President Tinubu described Imam Abubakar as an exceptional religious leader whose life exemplified faith, bravery, and an unwavering belief in the sanctity of human life. He noted that at a time when ethnic and religious sentiments threatened peaceful coexistence, the late imam stood firmly for peace, compassion, and conscience.
According to the President, Imam Abubakar, despite the grave risks to his own life, chose humanity over division, love over hatred, and unity over exclusion. He said the cleric’s actions went beyond words, delivering a profound message of true faith and moral responsibility to the world.
President Tinubu also acknowledged that the imam’s rare act of bravery earned him both local and international recognition, celebrating his commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.
The President called on religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late imam’s values by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful living.
He prayed that Almighty God grants Imam Abdullahi Abubakar eternal rest and rewards him abundantly for his selfless service, courage, and dedication to humanity.
