By Ayo Ayodele
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.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late cleric as a courageous servant of God whose life exemplified faith, humanity and selfless leadership.
Imam Abubakar gained national and international recognition in 2018 when he sheltered more than 200 Christians in his home during violent communal clashes in Plateau State, an action widely praised as a rare display of interfaith compassion and bravery.
President Tinubu said the late Imam’s conduct at a time of intense ethnic and religious tension demonstrated an unwavering commitment to peace and the sanctity of 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.
He noted that the cleric chose humanity over division, love over hatred, and unity over rejection, despite the grave risk to his own life, adding that his actions spoke more powerfully than sermons.
According to the President, Imam Abubakar’s heroic intervention earned him local and international honours in recognition of his dedication to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
President Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to draw lessons from the late Imam’s life by promoting tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He prayed for the repose of Imam Abubakar’s soul and asked God to reward him for his courage and good deeds.