President Bola Tinubu pays tribute to late Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar for his courage and interfaith solidarity.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the revered Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. The late cleric, who died at the age of 90, is celebrated for his heroism in sheltering over 200 Christians during violent communal clashes in Plateau State in 2018.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late Imam as a “symbol of courage, compassion, and interfaith unity,” noting that his life serves as a powerful lesson on the true essence of faith.
Imam Abubakar’s courageous actions during the 2018 Plateau crisis, where he refused to hand over Christians seeking refuge in his mosque despite threats to his own life, earned him national and international recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States in 2019.
The President called on religious and community leaders across Nigeria to emulate the late cleric’s example of tolerance, mutual respect, and national unity. Tinubu prayed that God grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his unwavering commitment to humanity.
Other prominent leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have also mourned the late Imam, highlighting his lifelong dedication to peace and interfaith solidarity in Nigeria.
