Tinubu, Atiku, Obi mourn Plateau Imam who saved 200 Christians

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Abubakar, who died at the age of 92.

Abubakar gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during violent communal clashes that ravaged parts of Plateau State.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have also expressed sadness over his death, describing him as a true hero of humanity.

Tinubu, in a condolence message shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, 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 added

According to the President, 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.

Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.

On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric.

Culled from punch