- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Chief Imam of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Abdullahi who died at the age of 92 was renowned for his heroic deed of sheltering over 200 Christians from being massacred during the 2018 Plateau communal clash.
Reacting to the news of his demise in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life exemplified faith, courage and a deep reverence for the sanctity of human life.
The President lauded his courage in choosing humanity over diversity.
“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.
“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,” He said.
Tinubu maintained that the Imam’s actions embodied the true essence of faith and delivered a powerful message beyond sermons.
The President noted that the cleric’s uncommon bravery earned him local and international honours celebrating peaceful coexistence.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He prayed that God grants the late Imam eternal rest and rewards him for his courage and good deeds.