President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the passing of a revered religious figure from Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, whose heroic actions during a violent crisis earned him global acclaim.
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
The late Imam, who served as the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died at the age of 92. His defining moment came in 2018 when a devastating wave of communal violence swept through parts of Plateau State. With immense personal risk, Imam Abubakar opened his doors and mosque to shelter more than 200 Christians, saving them from the attacking mobs. This selfless act of bravery brought him both national and international recognition.
Presidential Tribute to an Exemplary Life
President Tinubu's condolence message was conveyed in an official statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and shared via the President's verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday. In his tribute, Tinubu described the late cleric as an extraordinary leader whose life was a testament to faith, courage, and a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of every human life.
The President highlighted that at a critical time when ethnic and religious tensions threatened to tear communities apart, Imam Abubakar deliberately chose the path of peace, conscience, and compassion. "Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love over hatred, and embrace over rejection," Tinubu stated. He emphasized that the Imam's actions delivered a message more powerful than any sermon, one that resonated across the world.
A Call to Emulate a National Hero
President Tinubu also noted that the Imam's commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds was rightly honored with several local and international awards. Using the occasion to address broader national issues, the President urged all religious and community leaders in Nigeria to follow the sterling example set by the late Imam Abubakar.
He called for the active promotion of:
- Tolerance across ethnic and religious lines.
- Mutual respect as a foundation for community life.
- Peaceful coexistence as a non-negotiable principle for national unity.
President Tinubu concluded his message with prayers, asking the Almighty to grant the departed Imam eternal rest and reward him abundantly for his courageous and selfless service to humanity.
