He was Epitome of Faith and Courage – Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Plateau Imam
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 and a symbol of humanity and peaceful coexistence.
Imam Abubakar, who died at the age of 92, gained national and international recognition in 2018 after he sheltered and protected more than 200 Christians during a period of violent communal unrest in Plateau State, an act widely praised as a rare display of interfaith solidarity and moral courage.
In a statement released on Thursday, President Tinubu said the late cleric’s life represented a powerful testament to faith, bravery, and an unwavering belief in 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.
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He noted that despite the enormous personal risk involved, the Imam chose compassion over division and love over hatred, adding that his actions spoke more powerfully than words.
“Mindless of the danger 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 and sends a lasting message to the world,” Tinubu stated.
The President also recalled that Imam Abubakar’s bravery earned him both local and international recognition for promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to draw lessons from the late cleric’s life by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in their communities.
He concluded with prayers for the repose of the Imam’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and reward him for his courage and selfless service to humanity.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated January 16, 2026.
By PRNigeria
