Tinubu, others mourn Imam who sheltered Christians during Plateau crisis

The Muslim cleric, Abdullahi Abubakar who gained national and international recognition for sheltering over two hundred Christians during the 2018 Plateau attacks, is dead.

According to report, Abubakar, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA, passed on aged 92.

The late chief imam made headlines when he opened his mosque and home to hundreds of people fleeing violence by armed men.

He hid at least 300 Christians in the mosque and refused to hand them over to assailants baying for blood.

The incident occurred on June 23, 2018, when suspected bandits attacked some communities across Barkin Ladi, killing scores of residents.

As the crowd scampered for safety, Abubakar provided shelter to those who ran his way, until calm returned while this selfless action earned him accolades at home and abroad.
He was nominated for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the federal government and received a handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his bravery.

Reacting to his death the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who expressed sorrow at his passing, described the late Imam as an extraordinary religious leader, whose lifetime represented a striking testament to faith, courage and a staunch belief in the sacredness of human life.

The late Imam Abubakar shot into national and international prominence for hiding over 200 Christians in 2018, during the communal strife which ravaged Plateau State.
“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience,” President Tinubu remarked.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection.

“His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large. Imam Abubakar is a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be,” the President said.
“His act of uncommon bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received local and international honours that celebrated his commitment to coexistence among people with diverse orientations.

” I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar.

“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” the President said.
The 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi on X said, Nigeria honors a soul who rose above hatred and division by opening his home, mosque to save lives in times of need.

He said the Imam reminded Nigerians that the truest expression of faith is the protection of human dignity. “While many may choose to mourn Abubakar, I believe it is more fitting to celebrate him.

“He transformed his life into a powerful lesson, showing us that we are strongest when we recognize one another first as human beings, regardless of religion or tribe. His legacy urges Nigeria to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
“We honor this great soul because he understood that true leadership is not found in the exercise of power but in the exercise of mercy.

“At a time when the shadows of division loomed large due to the abuse of our faith, he stood as a beacon of light, reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.

“May Allah grant us the vision to create the new Nigeria of our dreams, where leadership is based on competence, capacity, and compassion. May his soul find eternal peace in Gardens of Jannah, and may we carry forward the torch of radical compassion”, Obi prayed.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also on X sympathized with Nigerians over the Imam’s death while described him as a remarkable patriot and exemplar of compassion.

He said, “Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, whose selfless courage during the June 2018 Plateau crisis saw him open his mosque and home to shelter and protect over 260 Christians, even at great personal risk”.

Atiku added that the Imam lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed Nigeria’s shared humanity, saying his act of bravery not only saved hundreds of lives but also stood as a powerful testament to the truth that peace, empathy and brotherhood are the firmest foundations of national unity.

“As we grieve his passing, let us recommit to the ideals he embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life. May his soul find peace; and may his legacy continue to inspire hope across our diverse nation”, Atiku concluded.