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, describing him as a courageous servant of God whose life exemplified faith, humanity and uncommon bravery.
Imam Abubakar, who died at the age of 92, gained national and international recognition in 2018 after he hid and protected more than 200 Christians during violent communal clashes in Plateau State, an act widely celebrated as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose actions spoke louder than words.
“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.
According to Tinubu, the Imam’s decision to protect others, despite the grave danger to his own life, reflected the essence of true faith.
“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,’’ he said.
President Tinubu added that Imam Abubakar’s life and actions offered a moral compass for society.
“Imam Abubakar is a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be,” he said.
The President noted that the late cleric’s uncommon bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received several local and international honours in recognition of his commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.
“His act of uncommon bravery earned him recognition at home and abroad, celebrating his commitment to coexistence among people with diverse orientations,” Tinubu said.
He urged religious and community leaders across the country to draw lessons from the Imam’s life.
“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,” the President said.
President Tinubu also offered prayers for the repose of the late cleric’s soul.
“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” he said.
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar is remembered as a symbol of peace and moral courage whose legacy continues to inspire interfaith harmony in Nigeria and beyond.