Tinubu, Mutfwang, Others Mourn As Imam Abubakar Who Hid 262 Christians During 2018 Plateau Killings Dies At 92

Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated globally for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 92.

According to reports, Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness.

One of the deceased’s sons, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed his fathers’ death to LEADERSHIP Weekend on Friday.

According to him, his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.

Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.

The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead.

Amid the chaos, Abubakar opened the doors of his mosque and home to about 262 Christians fleeing the violence, refusing to hand them over to the attackers.

“I did it because we are all human beings. My religion teaches me to protect lives, regardless of faith,” the imam had said in interviews after the incident, explaining that compassion and humanity guided his decision.

His selfless act earned him both national and international acclaim. In recognition of his bravery, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON), and he was personally commended by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Subsequently, LEADERSHIP Media Group also named him as joint winner of its prestigious annual Person of the Year Award alongside business mogul, Aliko Dangote.

In 2019, the United States government also presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award, describing him as “a beacon of peace and interfaith harmony” for risking his life to save others.

Reacting to his passing, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described the late cleric as “a symbol of peace, unity, and selfless leadership.”

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Mutfwang said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.

Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.

“On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”

Tinubu Mourns

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow at the passing of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, President Tinubu described the late Imam as an extraordinary religious leader, whose lifetime represented a striking testament to faith, courage, and a staunch belief in the sacredness 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,” President Tinubu remarked.

“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.

“Imam Abubakar is a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be,” the president said.

“His act of uncommon bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received local and international honours that celebrated his commitment to coexistence among people with diverse orientations.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the news of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi’s death has begun generating reactions from many Nigerians.

A. Haruna prayed for him, saying, “Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who risked everything to shield over 200 Christians, has passed on. A true symbol of humanity, compassion and interfaith brotherhood. May Allah forgive him, grant him Jannah and comfort his family.”

Another sympathiser, Ahmed Kofa, prayed for the late Imam:

“May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi. When you save a life is as if you saved humanity. But he helped save plenty.”

Paediatrician Otaru also praised and prayed for him, saying: “May the mercy of God be showered on him for the forgiveness of any of his shortcomings. The scripture says, blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Ma’aji Umar prayed: “May his soul rest in peace. A man with a big heart. That’s what the religion stands for, and not terrorism. A rare person who could be replicated by all.”

Olajide Balogun also prayed for the deceased:

“May Allah forgive him and grant him paradise. Aameen.”

One of the survivors among the over 262 Christians that the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi hid, Mrs Tabita David from Kura Falls in Gashish district, commended the cleric for saving her life and that of her family during the 2018 Barkin Ladi crisis.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, she prayed to God Almighty to grant the late Imam eternal rest and urged the people of Plateau State to emulate his example of courage and compassion.

Reacting to the Imam’s passing, the National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulder (BYN), Rwang Tengwong, described it as a huge loss, considering his relentless efforts to ensure peace in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State.

“The Imam saved the lives of over 262 Christians at Gindin Akwati in 2018 when armed bandits invaded more than ten Berom communities simultaneously. We pray to God that our society continues to have more people like Imam Abdullahi in our communities, people who see everyone as their own, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation. Tengwong said”

Similarly, Yusuf Babayo, chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), expressed deep sorrow, describing the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.

“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.

“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”

Reacting on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.

“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.

“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.

“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”

Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi was buried immediately after the Jumma’at Prayer in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA.