By Muhyideen Jimoh/Philomina Attah
Abuja, Jan. 2026
President Bola Tinubu and the Christian Association of Nigeria (NAN) have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Chief Imam of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, who passed away at 92.
Tinubu’s condolence message is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (NAN) in its message by its Association’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condoled with the family of Mallam Abubakar, describing the deceased as a “shining example” of religious harmony.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 262 Christians in his home and mosque during a violent attack on some communities in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Tinubu described Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life exemplified faith, courage and a deep reverence for 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.
“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,” the President said.
He said 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.
Archbishop Okoh stated that the Imam’s legacy would forever be etched in history for his “rare moral bravery” particularly during the 2018 violent massacres in Plateau.
”By choosing to protect innocent lives at great personal risk, he stood firmly on the side of humanity when it mattered most.
“His actions transcended religious boundaries and powerfully affirmed that the sanctity of human life is sacred above anything else,” Okoh said.
The president noted that the Imam’s bravery served as a bridge-builder in a nation often grappling with religious suspicion.
”His actions reminded the nation that peace is possible through love and conscience.
“He represented the core values of faith, compassion and selflessness.
“While physical awards may fade, his story remains a blueprint for future generations,” he added.
The president urged the government and the public to ensure that the Imam’s sacrifice served as a rallying point towards a peaceful Nigeria.
Okoh advised Nigerians to continually engage with Imam Abubakar’s family and the public recognition of his heroism, aimed at inspiring unity and mutual respect across Nigeria.
”As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well lived.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community and all who were touched by his remarkable example,” Okoh added.
NAN also recalled that the Federal Government had awarded Abdullahi the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour in recognition of his efforts in promoting peacedul coexistence.
