‘He Chose Humanity over Division’ — Tinubu Pays Tribute to Imam who Protected Christians in 2018 Plateau Crisis

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Abdullahi Abubakar, the chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau.

The 92-year-old cleric died on Friday, January 16.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu described the late Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose lifetime represented a striking testament to faith, courage and a staunch belief in the sacredness of human life.

He recalled how Abubakar gained national and international recognition in 2018, at great personal risk.

“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 statement reads.

“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 described the late imam as “a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be” and added that his bravery earned him widespread local and international honours for promoting peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.

“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 added.

“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage.”