The Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Abubakar, whose intervention during the 2018 Plateau crisis saved more than 200 Christians from mob violence, has died at the age of 92.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, while a separate message was also released by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mourned the cleric, describing him as “a courageous servant of God” whose life reflected faith, courage and respect for human life.
“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,” the President said.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The President also noted that the cleric’s action attracted recognition within and outside Nigeria, saying, “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.”
He urged religious and community leaders to draw lessons from the late imam’s life, calling on them to promote tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. “May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” Tinubu said.
In his tribute, Atiku Abubakar described the late imam as “a remarkable patriot and exemplar of compassion,” recalling how he opened his mosque and home to protect Christians during the June 2018 violence.
“He lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity,” Atiku said, adding that the cleric’s action “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.”
Atiku urged Nigerians to uphold the values demonstrated by the late religious leader, saying, “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.”
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar rose to national and global attention after sheltering Christians fleeing attacks during communal unrest in Plateau State, an act that has remained one of the strongest symbols of inter-faith solidarity in Nigeria.
