President Bola Tinubu has expressed great sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Plateau State’s Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, at the age of 92.
In 2018, the late Imam Abubakar received national and international praise for hiding over 200 Christians during horrific communal riots that destroyed Plateau State.
In a condolence message shared by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on X on Friday, Tinubu described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, 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 mentioned that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president praised Imam Abubakar’s actions as a model of humanity and moral courage.
The cleric’s dedication to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds earned him local and international recognition.
Tinubu encouraged religious and community leaders to follow in Imam’s footsteps and promote tolerance.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the cleric’s soul, asking God to reward him for his courage and good deeds.
“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” Tinubu said.
