Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has passed away.
According to reports, the late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. At the time, he had opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life.
His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government.
The Plateau State Government, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, on Friday, 16th January, 2025, mourned the late Imam.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi's death as "a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community, and Plateau State at large."
According to the statement, the governor said the Imam's life was distinguished by "unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children."
The statement added, "Governor Mutfwang observed that the loss comes at a time when the state greatly needed the guidance, wisdom, and unifying presence of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi.
"He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence."
According to reports, the late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. At the time, he had opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life.
His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government.
The Plateau State Government, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, on Friday, 16th January, 2025, mourned the late Imam.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi's death as "a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community, and Plateau State at large."
According to the statement, the governor said the Imam's life was distinguished by "unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children."
The statement added, "Governor Mutfwang observed that the loss comes at a time when the state greatly needed the guidance, wisdom, and unifying presence of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi.
"He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence."
President Bola 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, who died at the age of 92.
The late Imam Abubakar gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during violent communal clashes that ravaged parts of Plateau State.
In a condolence message shared by his spokesman,Bayo Onanuga, on X on Friday, Tinubu described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and 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.
He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.
“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 said
According to the president, Imam Abubakar’s actions exemplified the kind of humanity and moral courage society should aspire to uphold.
He added that the cleric’s bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received both local and international honours in recognition of his commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and 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,” he said.
The president prayed for the repose of the cleric’s soul, asking God to reward him for his courage and good deeds.
“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” Tinubu said.
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